bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial Revista Española de Paleontología
Authors: Rodríguez-Tovar Francisco Javier , Aguirre Rodríguez Julio , Reolid Pérez Matías
Published: October 2020

Después de 25 volúmenes publicados por la Revista Española de Paleontología, en éste correspondiente al primer número del volumen 26 intervenimos el nuevo equipo editorial, si bien en colaboración con el equipo anterior. En este sentido, es necesario reconocer la labor realizada por nuestros compañeros Rodolfo Gozalo y Miguel Pardo que han podido mantener la calidad científica y la periodicidad de la revista, aún con los hándicaps que de todos son conocidos. Su labor a lo largo de estos años nos pone el listón muy alto, de manera que abordamos el trabajo encomendado sabiendo que la empresa no va a ser fácil, sino todo lo contrario. Asimismo, queremos agradecer la confianza que la Sociedad Española de Paleontología ha puesto en este equipo editorial. Esperamos no defraudar vuestra confianza y, siguiendo los pasos de todos nuestros antecesores, en la medida en que sea posible, mejorar el trabajo realizado con nuestra Revista.
PALAEOENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXTS FOR MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES FROM Fe-Mn CRUSTS OF MIDDLE-UPPER JURASSIC HARDGROUNDS (BETIC-RIFIAN CORDILLERA)
Authors: Reolid Matías
Published: October 2020

The Middle-Upper Jurassic transition within the External Subbetic (Betic Cordillera) and the Jbel Moussa Group (Rifian Calcareous Chain) is characterised by numerous stratigraphic breaks recorded as palaeoreliefs, omission surfaces and hardgrounds. One common characteristic is the presence of microbial Fe-Mn crusts and Mn crusts. Three different contexts of microbially mediated Fe-Mn crusts can be distinguished: a) hydrogenetic surficial Fe-Mn crusts and macro-oncoids, b) hydrogenetic cryptic Fe-Mn crusts, and c) hydrothermal surficial Mn crusts. Encrusting foraminifera (Thurammina, Placopsilina, Tolypammina and nubeculariids) and fungi fed on bacteria, while the bacteria and fungi took advantage of the nutrient-rich foraminiferal excretions. The cryptic Fe-Mn crusts are also hydrogenetic crusts developed in the walls of submarine cavities and fractures in the External Subbetic at the time of the hardground development. They are endostromatolites consisting almost exclusively of Frutexites in the case of thin neptunian dykes, or serpulid-Frutexites assemblages in a large neptunian sill. This assemblage reflects the colonization of unfavourable environment (aphotic with low oxygenation) as a response to the photophobic behaviour of chemosynthetic and cryptobiontic microorganisms. Finally, the hydrothermal Mn crusts registered in the Rif are characterised by the record of bacillus-shaped bacteria and different type of filaments. The precipitation of manganese minerals is interpreted as induced by the chemo-organotrophic behaviour of benthic microbial communities, since manganese oxides may form as a result of the direct metabolic activity of bacteria in hydrothermal environments. Very well-preserved fungal hyphae evidence the presence of fungi that probably fed on bacterial communities and their by-products
BOOK REVIEW. Annalen des Naturhistorischen Museums in Wien, Serie A, 113 (2011), dedicated to the 60th birthday of Werner E. Piller.
Authors: Bassi Davide
Published: October 2020

This volume is a collection of papers dedicated to Werner E. Piller (Vienna, 27th May, 1951) by some of his colleagues on the occasion of his 60th birthday. The papers deal with some of the many facets of Piller’s research fields, investigations that may help to show a more complete general picture of the Earth history The book comprises 24 papers, by a total of 54 authors (see the web page at http://www.nhmwien.ac.at/verlag/wissenschaftliche_publikationen/annalen_serie_a/113_2011). The introduction of F.F. Steininger is an excellent summary to the Piller’s academic life spent so far in Vienna and Graz (Austria). The papers focus on Piller’s main Earth Science research fields, ranging from systematics and facies analysis, through stratigraphy and biostratigraphy, to ecology and palaeoecology.
Most of the papers deals with facies (siliciclastic, carbonates, pelagic and shallow water sediments) and Recent and fossil biotic assemblages (in reference order: dinoflagellates, cold-water corals, coralline red algae, calcareous sponges, gastropods, bryozoans, brachiopods, water strides, turtles, mammals, dasycladalean green algae, marine ostracods, ophiuroids). Those researchers, who work in the above-mentioned fields, certainly know and often use results obtained by Werner Piller. However, those who know him personally, recognizing his important contribution to Earth Sciences, enjoy marvellous features of his extraordinary personality.
Formas anómalas en los corales eocenos de la cuenca de igualada (noreste de España)
Authors: Álvarez-Pérez Germán , Busquets Pere
Published: October 2020

En este trabajo hemos descrito las formas anómalas que presentan algunos corales de la Cuenca de Igualada (Eoceno Superior), situada al sur de los Pirineos, y que forma parte de la Cuenca del Ebro. Para facilitar dicho estudio hemos agrupado los corales en solitarios y coloniales, analizando por separado las formas anómalas que presentan cada uno de dichos grupos. Al exponer cada una de las formas anómalas hemos hecho referencia a las posibles causas que las hayan provocado y que muchas veces son difíciles de determinar. En este trabajo nos hemos centrado sobre todo en aquellas que consideramos como más probables y que han sido aceptadas por otros paleontólogos estudiosos del tema. Este trabajo aporta nuevos datos para la descripción y clasificación sistemática de las especies coralinas, no sólo de la zona de Igualada sino también del resto de cuencas equivalentes del Neotethys relacionadas con el orógeno alpino
The Somosaguas palaeontology project: an envision of Nieves López Martínez for linking science and society
Authors: Fesharaki Omid , Torices Angélica , García-Yelo Blanca A , Tejedor-Navarro Natalia , De la Ossa Lucía , Hernández-Fernández Manuel
Published: October 2020

The palaeontological site of Somosaguas is located in Pozuelo de Alarcón, to the west of the city of Madrid (Spain), and contains fossils of Miocene age corresponding to 24 species of micro- and macromammals as well as other vertebrates. The Somosaguas Palaeontology Project is focused on this site and was coordinated by Nieves López Martínez between 1998 and 2010 as an example of management of a palaeontological site by university students and young researchers. This project began with field seasons for students in natural sciences grades and today is a multidisciplinary project open to students from any university degree. The significance of the investigations around this fossil site is reflected in a large number of papers published in national and international journals. Additionaly, there are numerous outreach activities in geology and palaeontology with special attention to what we call Social Palaeontology. Finally, this project has a strong commitment to educational innovation in both non-formal (during school visits, open days at the site and science fairs) and formal university education, with the establishment of an introduction to investigation group in order to prepare young researchers in different fields of geology, palaeontology and education
Spatial Analysis on the Health Effects of Economic Recession in Michigan
Authors: ONICESCU GEORGIANA , VALDMANIS VIVIAN
Published: October 2020

The main purpose of this study was to assess the effects of economic recession period (years 2008–2010) compared to pre-recession (years 2005–2007) and post-recession (years 2011–2013) in Michigan, with respect to the following outcomes: poor general health, poor mental health, heavy drinking and binge drinking, adjusting for unemployment. We used a spatial regression model, taking into account the spatial dependence of the data at the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) regional grouping levels. In models adjusted for unemployment and taking into account the spatial variability, the results indicated that general and mental health continued to decline even after the recession. Heavy drinking increased post-recession compared to recession and also pre-recession, while binge drinking increased post-recession. Estimated spatial maps of the outcome showed a great variability and could help identify regions in need of resource allocation and policy implementation.
An Integrative Review of the Use of Social Media in Graduate Nursing Education
Authors: HERNANDEZ JOANNA , MUNYAN KRISTEN
Published: October 2020

Social media is widely used, including among health professional educators. As a teaching strategy, social media can be helpful to nursing educators, and has been found to be useful in teaching nursing students regarding “communication, professionalism, healthcare policy and ethics” (Schmitt, Sims-Giddens and Booth 2012). With many current nursing students preferring learning environments and strategies that are enriched by technology, a thorough understanding of the implications of the use of social media in the instruction of nursing education is needed. Particularly the potential benefits and risks warrant continued evaluation. In the instruction of nursing students, social media interaction with faculty can be used as a training methodology for professional communication (Arrigoni, Alvaro, Vellone, and Vanzetta 2016). Social media can provide a way for nursing faculty to promote the use of technological professional engagement, a skill competency that is often lacking among nursing students (Schmitt et al. 2012).

Despite a number of reviews being readily locatable on the current best practices regarding social media use in nursing education (Ross and Meyers 2017), little is available regarding applicability to graduate nursing students. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to conduct an integrative review of the available evidence regarding the utilization of social media in teaching graduate nursing students. Only two articles were located that were specifically relevant to gradate nursing education. The located articles reported small scale initiatives and case studies. Further exploration of the available literature is needed in regard to graduate work specifically as professional communication is a key competency of many graduate nursing programs.
Cultural Analytics
Authors: Manovich Lev
Published: October 2020

A book at the intersection of data science and media studies, presenting concepts and methods for computational analysis of cultural data.

How can we see a billion images? What analytical methods can we bring to bear on the astonishing scale of digital culture—the terabytes of photographs shared on social media every day, the hundreds of millions of songs created by twenty million musicians on Sound Cloud, the content of four billion Pinterest boards? In Cultural Analytics, Lev Manovich presents concepts and methods for computational analysis of cultural data, with a particular focus on visual media. Drawing on more than a decade of research and projects from his own lab, Manovich—the founder of the field of cultural analytics—offers a gentle, nontechnical introduction to selected key concepts of data science and discusses the ways that our society uses data and algorithms.

Manovich offers examples of computational cultural analysis and discusses the shift from “new media” to “more media”; explains how to turn cultural processes into computational data; and introduces concepts for exploring cultural datasets using data visualization as well as other recently developed methods for analyzing image and video datasets. He considers both the possibilities and the limitations of computational methods, and how using them challenges our existing ideas about culture and how to study it.

Cultural Analytics is a book of media theory. Arguing that before we can theorize digital culture, we need to see it, and that, because of its scale, to see it we need computers, Manovich provides scholars with practical tools for studying contemporary media.
Investigating the trade-off between folding and function in a multidomain Y-family DNA polymerase
Authors: Chu Xiakun , Suo Zucai , Wang Jin
Published: October 2020

The way in which multidomain proteins fold has been a puzzling question for decades. Until now, the mechanisms and functions of domain interactions involved in multidomain protein folding have been obscure. Here, we develop structure-based models to investigate the folding and DNA-binding processes of the multidomain Y-family DNA polymerase IV (DPO4). We uncover shifts in the folding mechanism among ordered domain-wise folding, backtracking folding, and cooperative folding, modulated by interdomain interactions. These lead to ‘U-shaped’ DPO4 folding kinetics. We characterize the effects of interdomain flexibility on the promotion of DPO4–DNA (un)binding, which probably contributes to the ability of DPO4 to bypass DNA lesions, which is a known biological role of Y-family polymerases. We suggest that the native topology of DPO4 leads to a trade-off between fast, stable folding and tight functional DNA binding. Our approach provides an effective way to quantitatively correlate the roles of protein interactions in conformational dynamics at the multidomain level.
Cannabinoids modulate associative cerebellar learning via alterations in behavioral state
Authors: Albergaria Catarina , Silva N Tatiana , Darmohray Dana M , Carey Megan R
Published: October 2020

Cannabinoids are notorious and profound modulators of behavioral state. In the brain, endocannabinoids act via Type 1-cannabinoid receptors (CB1) to modulate synaptic transmission and mediate multiple forms of synaptic plasticity. CB1 knockout (CB1KO) mice display a range of behavioral phenotypes, in particular hypoactivity and various deficits in learning and memory, including cerebellum-dependent delay eyeblink conditioning. Here we find that the apparent effects of CB1 deletion on cerebellar learning are not due to direct effects on CB1-dependent plasticity, but rather, arise as a secondary consequence of altered behavioral state. Hypoactivity of CB1KO mice accounts for their impaired eyeblink conditioning across both animals and trials. Moreover, learning in these mutants is rescued by walking on a motorized treadmill during training. Finally, cerebellar granule-cell-specific CB1KOs exhibit normal eyeblink conditioning, and both global and granule-cell-specific CB1KOs display normal cerebellum-dependent locomotor coordination and learning. These findings highlight the modulation of behavioral state as a powerful independent means through which individual genes contribute to complex behaviors.
3D in situ imaging of the female reproductive tract reveals molecular signatures of fertilizing spermatozoa in mice
Authors: Ded Lukas , Hwang Jae Yeon , Miki Kiyoshi , Shi Huanan F , Chung Jean-Ju
Published: October 2020

Out of millions of ejaculated sperm, a few reach the fertilization site in mammals. Flagellar Ca2+signaling nanodomains, organized by multi-subunit CatSper calcium channel complexes, are pivotal for sperm migration in the female tract, implicating CatSper-dependent mechanisms in sperm selection. Here using biochemical and pharmacological studies, we demonstrate that CatSper1 is an O-linked glycosylated protein, undergoing capacitation-induced processing dependent on Ca2+and phosphorylation cascades. CatSper1 processing correlates with protein tyrosine phosphorylation (pY) development in sperm cells capacitated in vitro and in vivo. Using 3D in situ molecular imaging and ANN-based automatic detection of sperm distributed along the cleared female tract, we demonstrate that spermatozoa past the utero-tubal junction possess the intact CatSper1 signals. Together, we reveal that fertilizing mouse spermatozoa in situ are characterized by intact CatSper channel, lack of pY, and reacted acrosomes. These findings provide molecular insight into sperm selection for successful fertilization in the female reproductive tract.
Polarity and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells in proliferative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Zou Hui , Shan Chenli , Ma Linlin , Liu Jia , Yang Ning , Zhao Jinsong
Published: October 2020

Under physiological conditions, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a cellular monolayer composed of mitotically quiescent cells. Tight junctions and adherens junctions maintain the polarity of RPE cells, and are required for cellular functions. In proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), upon retinal tear, RPE cells lose cell-cell contact, undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and ultimately transform into myofibroblasts, leading to the formation of fibrocellular membranes on both surfaces of the detached retina and on the posterior hyaloids, which causes tractional retinal detachment. In PVR, RPE cells are crucial contributors, and multiple signaling pathways, including the SMAD-dependent pathway, Rho pathway, MAPK pathways, Jagged/Notch pathway, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are activated. These pathways mediate the EMT of RPE cells, which play a key role in the pathogenesis of PVR. This review summarizes the current body of knowledge on the polarized phenotype of RPE, the role of cell-cell contact, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the RPE EMT in PVR, emphasizing key insights into potential approaches to prevent PVR.
Craniofacial ontogeny in Tylosaurinae
Authors: Zietlow Amelia R.
Published: October 2020

Mosasaurs were large, globally distributed aquatic lizards that lived during the Late Cretaceous. Despite numerous specimens of varying maturity, a detailed growth series has not been proposed for any mosasaur taxon. Two taxa—Tylosaurus prorigerandT. kansasensis/nepaeolicus—have robust fossil records with specimens spanning a wide range of sizes and are thus ideal for studying mosasaur ontogeny.Tylosaurusis a genus of particularly large mosasaurs with long, edentulous anterior extensions of the premaxilla and dentary that lived in Europe and North America during the Late Cretaceous. An analysis of growth inTylosaurusprovides an opportunity to test hypotheses of the synonymy ofT. kansasensiswithT. nepaeolicus, sexual dimorphism, anagenesis, and heterochrony. Fifty-nine hypothetical growth characters were identified, including size-dependent, size-independent, and phylogenetic characters, and quantitative cladistic analysis was used to recover growth series for the two taxa. The results supported the synonymy ofT. kansasensiswithT. nepaeolicusand thatT. kansasensisrepresent juveniles ofT. nepaeolicus. A Spearman rank-order correlation test resulted in a significant correlation between two measures of size (total skull length and quadrate height) and maturity. Eleven growth changes were shared across both species, neither of the ontogram topologies showed evidence of skeletal sexual dimorphism, and a previous hypothesis of paedomorphy inT. prorigerwas not rejected. Finally, a novel hypothesis of anagenesis in Western Interior SeawayTylosaurusspecies, driven by peramorphy, is proposed here.
miR-29a-3p directly targets Smad nuclear interacting protein 1 and inhibits the migration and proliferation of cervical cancer HeLa cells
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Weiji , Yan Lijun , Zheng Peng , Li Jin
Published: October 2020

Smad nuclear interacting protein 1 (SNIP1) is a nuclear protein and involved in essential biological processes. MicroRNAs are effective regulators of tumorigenesis and cancer progression via targeting multiple genes. In present study, we aimed to investigate the function of SNIP1 and identify novel miRNA-SNIP1 axis in the development of cervical cancer. The results showed for the first time that silencing of theSNIP1gene inhibited the migration and proliferation in HeLa cells significantly. Bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-29a-3p could target 3′ UTR of SNIP1 directly. The mRNA and protein expression levels of SNIP1 were negative regulated by miR-29a-3p according to the RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Furthermore, functional studies showed that over-expression of miR-29a-3p restrained HeLa cells migration and proliferation, and the mRNA expression of SNIP1 downstream genes (HSP27,c-Myc, andcyclin D1) were down-regulated by miR-29a-3p. Together, we concluded that miR-29a-3p suppressed the migration and proliferation in HeLa cells by directly targeting SNIP1. The newly identified miR-29a-3p/SNIP1 axis could provide new insight into the development of cervical cancer.
Isolation and sequence-based characterization of a koala symbiont: Lonepinella koalarum
Authors: Dahlhausen Katherine E. , Jospin Guillaume , Coil David A. , Eisen Jonathan A. , Wilkins Laetitia G.E.
Published: October 2020

Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are highly specialized herbivorous marsupials that feed almost exclusively on Eucalyptus leaves, which are known to contain varying concentrations of many different toxic chemical compounds. The literature suggests that Lonepinella koalarum, a bacterium in the Pasteurellaceae family, can break down some of these toxic chemical compounds. Furthermore, in a previous study, we identified L. koalarum as the most predictive taxon of koala survival during antibiotic treatment. Therefore, we believe that this bacterium may be important for koala health. Here, we isolated a strain of L. koalarum from a healthy koala female and sequenced its genome using a combination of short-read and long-read sequencing. We placed the genome assembly into a phylogenetic tree based on 120 genome markers using the Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB), which currently does not include any L. koalarum assemblies. Our genome assembly fell in the middle of a group of Haemophilus, Pasteurella and Basfia species. According to average nucleotide identity and a 16S rRNA gene tree, the closest relative of our isolate is L. koalarum strain Y17189. Then, we annotated the gene sequences and compared them to 55 closely related, publicly available genomes. Several genes that are known to be involved in carbohydrate metabolism could exclusively be found in L. koalarum relative to the other taxa in the pangenome, including glycoside hydrolase families GH2, GH31, GH32, GH43 and GH77. Among the predicted genes of L. koalarum were 79 candidates putatively involved in the degradation of plant secondary metabolites. Additionally, several genes coding for amino acid variants were found that had been shown to confer antibiotic resistance in other bacterial species against pulvomycin, beta-lactam antibiotics and the antibiotic efflux pump KpnH. In summary, this genetic characterization allows us to build hypotheses to explore the potentially beneficial role that L. koalarum might play in the koala intestinal microbiome. Characterizing and understanding beneficial symbionts at the whole genome level is important for the development of anti- and probiotic treatments for koalas, a highly threatened species due to habitat loss, wildfires, and high prevalence of Chlamydia infections.
What families really think about the quality of early intervention centers: a perspective from mixed methods
Authors: Romero-Galisteo Rita Pilar , Gálvez Ruiz Pablo , Blanco Villaseñor Angel , Rodríguez-Bailón Maria , González-Sánchez Manuel
Published: October 2020

Background

Families are a fundamental aspect in the current perspective of Early Intervention, and knowing their opinion with quantitative and qualitative research is necessary for its improvement. The objective of this research was to evaluate the quality of the service perceived in Early Intervention Centers and its relationship with satisfaction and future intention, as well as to identify factors that are associated with the perception of users.

Methods

A measurement model of 50 items and an open question to gather qualitative information was used in a sample of 233 participants. A confirmatory factor analysis and a regression analysis were conducted. Regarding the qualitative data, the information was subjected to a thematic content analysis in order to delve into the perception of the participants.

Results

The model showed a satisfactory fit and the regression analysis indicated that treatment rooms (β =  − 0.28) and adaptation of activities (β = 0.27) have greater weight with respect to satisfaction, whereas for future intention, the factors of greater weight were adaptation of activities (β = 0.23) and location (β = 0.20). The qualitative analysis showed three themes: facilitators, barriers and suggestions for improvement. Within facilitators, the participants were satisfied with the Early Intervention professionals, and they made improvement suggestions for the detected barriers to improve the facilities and the follow-up of the child.

Conclusions

The study offers a wide perspective of the perception of the service with an active participation of families in the treatment within the Early Intervention service. This will allow professionals in Early Intervention, service providers and researchers to consider the families as intervention agents capable of providing their opinion and making decisions, and not only as passive elements.
Feroxichthys yunnanensis gen. et sp. nov. (Colobodontidae, Neopterygii), a large durophagous predator from the Middle Triassic (Anisian) Luoping Biota, eastern Yunnan, China
Authors: Xu Guang-Hui
Published: October 2020

Neopterygii is a large group of ray-finned fishes which underwent a rapid radiation in the Middle Triassic. Until recently, 11 stem neopterygians have been recovered from the early Middle Triassic Luoping Biota in eastern Yunnan, China, and they are small to medium-sized fishes. Here, I report the discovery of a new stem neopterygian, Feroxichthys yunnanensis gen. et sp. nov. from the Luoping Biota, which represents the first evidence of large-sized stem neopteygians in this biota with a total length of ~340 mm (290 mm in standard length). The skull of the new taxon is exceptionally well-preserved, showing some peculiar features rarely known in other stem neopterygians, for example fusion of paired premaxillae, fusion of lacrimal with maxilla, and a fused parieto-dermopterotic with a strong posterior process. Phylogenetic studies recover Feroxichthys as a basal colobodontid, and a revised diagnosis of this family is presented. The feeding apparatus indicates that Feroxichthys might have been predominantly durophagous, resembling other colobodontids. However, the anterior peg-like teeth in the jaws of Feroxichthys are much longer and stronger than other colobodontids, enabling a more powerful initial prey capture before food was passed posteriorly to molariform teeth for crushing in the oral cavity. As a mysterious large durophagous predator previously unknown from the Luoping Biota, the new finding is important not only for understanding the early diversification of neopterygians during this age but also for investigating the trophic structure in this marine ecosystem.
Meteorus gyrator (Thunberg) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) In Egypt: Geographical Distribution and Mass-production
Authors: Gesraha Mohamed Ahmed , Ebeid Amany Ramadan
Published: October 2020

Background: The larval internal parasitoids in the genus Meteorus attack certain lepidopterous larvae in different Egyptian fields. Two species, M. rubens and M. gyrator were the most abundant species reared from several lepidopterous larval species, which feed on different host plants in the two selected Governorates in Egypt throughout two successive years.

Aim: This work presents a method specifically designed to improve the abundance and the parasitizing potential of M. gyrator in open fields to parasitize and develop on a broad range of noctuid’s pests by releasing considerable number of the parasitoid adults. Also it deals with some aspects of the basic biology of M. gyrator parasitizing Spodoptera littoralis and Autugrapha ni, as mass-rearing hosts.

Methodology: 1- Population Dynamics

Biweekly samples of lepidopterous larvae were collected from different host plants in the fields of Giza and Faiyum Governorates, for two successive years (November, 2017 to October, 2019). Collected larvae were confined individually under constant conditions until pupation or the emergence of the internal parasitoid’s larvae for pupation.

2- Laboratory Rearing

Cultures of some insect larvae, Heliothis armigera, Spodoptera exigua, Agrotis ipsilon, Sesamia cretica, S. littoralis and Autographa ni were reared in laboratory under constant conditions to act as hosts for mass-production of the parasitoid, M. gyrator.

Results: Obtained results reveal that A. ipsilon was the main host of M. rubens, it was more abundant in both years and localities of the survey. Meteorus gyrator was recorded at fewer numbers; it was reared from S. littoralis, S. exigua, S. critica, Heliothis spp. and Autographa spp. The parasitism percentage by M. rubens averaged 23.10% at Giza. While in the case of M. gyrator it averaged 3.25%. In Faiyum, the corresponding figure averaged 12.96% parasitism for M. rubens; while it averaged 6.93%, for M. gyrator. To increase the efficacy of M. gyrator, mass production experiments were carried out, suggesting that Autographa ni was the most suitable for mass-rearing than S. littoralis.

Conclusion: To increase the efficacy of M. gyrator as an endoparasitoid, its numbers in the field should be increased by releasing a considerable number of adults, to control lepidopterous larval pests.
Comparative Study to Analyze the Motivational Patterns among Students of a Healthcare University in UAE Using the Achievement Goal Questionnaire (Revised)
Authors: Kumar Joan Bryant , Goud B. K. Manjunatha
Published: October 2020

Aims: This cross sectional study was conducted on students at Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University to analyze the motivation patterns in the health sciences university students.

Methodology: Total number of students who participated were 145. Data was entered into SPSS 22 software and analyzed. Student ‘t’ test was used to compare among the groups.

Results: The study results showed that all students exhibited highest scores of Mastery Approach goal motivation >10.62±4.24; but there was a decay in the later years of study and the Mastery Avoidance scores increased. This was more pronounced in the medical students (P =0.02).

Conclusion: This work underscores the notion that health sciences students are highly motivated and strive hard to achieve their goals. This study can be used to develop teaching methodologies and assessments that promote deep approaches to learning.
Dry Matter Partitioning and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as Influenced by Sowing Thermal Regimes and Bio-regulators
Authors: Lakhran Hansa , Sharma O. P. , Bajiya Rohitash , Verma H. P. , Choudhary Meena
Published: October 2020

A field experiment was carried out during the rabi seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at Agronomy Farm, S.K.N. Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan, to evaluate the effect of sowing at different thermal regimes and foliar sprays of bio-regulators on growth and yield of wheat. The treatments comprised three sowings (22ºC, 20ºC and 18ºC) and eight bio-regulators (control, water spray, SA @ 100 ppm, SA @ 200 ppm, TSA @ 100 ppm, TSA @ 200 ppm, TGA @ 100 ppm and TGA @ 200 ppm). The experiment was conducted in split plot design with 4 replications. Wheat sown at 20ºC showed superior performance in respect of dry-matter partitioning and yield parameters, i.e. grain, straw biological and yields as compared to sowing at 22ºC and 18ºC. Amongst the bio-regulators options, an application of SA @ 200 ppm resulted in better performance, being comparable with those of TSA @ 200 ppm and TGA @ 200 ppm. Crop sown at 20ºC along with SA @ 200 ppm was found to be a better option for maximum dry matter accumulation and productivity of wheat under heat stress.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum (Syphilis) Co-infection in Uyo, Nigeria
Authors: Okonko Iheanyi O. , Adiele Hope C. Innocent- , Awanye Amaka M. , Cookey Tochi I. , Onoh Charles C.
Published: October 2020

Aim: HIV/AIDS remains a leading cause of death and disability in Sub Saharan Africa and this accounts for almost half of the world’s HIV related deaths. On the other hand, bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as syphilis contributes to the morbidity and mortality obtained in developing countries. Co-infection of syphilis and HIV may increase the risk of HIV transmission and adversely affect reproductive health. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of STDs in HIV positive individuals can help prevent spread to their partners. There is also very little information about incidence and prevalence of HIV/Syphilis co-infection and their determinants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the HIV/Syphilis co-infection among HIV-infected individuals in Uyo, Nigeria.

Methods: A total of 176 individuals living with HIV participated in this study. The average age of the study participants was 39.1 years from a range of 6-67 years. Plasma samples obtained from the human subjects were analysed for presence of HIV and Syphilis antibodies using enzyme-Linked immunosorbent Assay.

Results: Our findings showed that the overall prevalence of HIV/Syphilis co-infection in Uyo was 1.7%. Analysis of the results revealed that the variables—sex and educational background—significantly influenced the rate of syphilis sero-positivity among the population under study. While variables- age, marital status and occupational skills non-significantly influenced the rate of syphilis sero-positivity among the population under study.

Conclusion: This study confirmed the co-infection of HIV and Syphilis in Uyo, Nigeria. Early screening of Syphilis and other STDs contributes to the control of infection and reduces the spread of HIV to partners. A number of primary preventive interventions for HIV and syphilis need to be adopted including use of condoms and medical male circumcision in order to improve sexual and reproductive health amongst individuals.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding Diagnosed by Capsule Endoscopy – A Change towards More Patients with Bleeding-related Drugs
Authors: Hann Alexander , Graf Louisa , Seufferlein Thomas , Zizer Eugen
Published: October 2020

Background: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is the standard procedure for a work-up of a suspected bleeding source after negative gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Popularity of this procedure increased in the last decade. In this work we aimed to identify the changes in patient characteristics and how those changes influence bleeding related findings. In particular the assumed higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding of the new oral anticoagulants (nOAC) compared to phenprocoumon was of interest.

Methods: Consecutive VCE examinations performed at our center from January 2004 to March 2018 were identified retrospectively. Baseline characteristics of the patients, VCE results and treatment that was initiated were analyzed.

Results: 560 VCE were included in the analysis. The rate of VCE per month increased from 2.3/month in the period of January 2004 – December 2012 up to 5.0/month in January 2013 – March 2018. Accompanied by this increase the examined patients suffered from significantly more comorbidities (72 vs. 82%, p 0.001) and used a higher number of bleeding-related drugs (47 vs. 66%, p <0.001), especially nOACs. Age above 65 and bleeding-related drugs were significantly associated with angiodysplasias found on VCE examinations. NOACs and phenprocoumon showed no difference in their correlation to angiodysplasias.

Conclusion: This single center retrospective analysis revealed a steep increase in VCE examinations over the last years with an increase in the prevalence of comorbidities and the use of bleeding-related drugs. Interestingly, use of both nOACs and phenprocoumon did not result in a significant higher rate of angiodysplasias in the VCE.
Re-engineering Apprenticeship Scheme for Economic Sustainability in Industrial Cities of South East of Nigeria: Post Civil War Experience
Authors: Tochukwu Ifeanyi, Titus , Chidi Onwuchekwa, Faith , Martha Dimgba, Chidinma
Published: October 2020

The study examined apprenticeship scheme and economic sustainability in industrial areas of South East of Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to evaluate how apprenticeship scheme influenced employment generation after civil war in South East of Nigeria, identify problems affecting apprenticeship scheme and ascertain ways apprenticeship scheme could be re-engineered in the South-East of Nigeria. As a survey research design, questionnaire was used to elicit information from one hundred and forty business operators in Aba, Nnewi and Onitsha, as the industrial cities in South East before and after the civil war, who undergone apprenticeship scheme before establishing their own business. The data were analysed using mean, percentage and simple regression at 5% level of significance. The result revealed that Successful business start-up by apprentice generated employment for people over a long period of time in the South East after civil war. Apprenticeship scheme in the recent times lacked; involvement of labour representative in the apprenticeship agreement, written agreement under the watch of a labour officer; and opportunity to further education as well as apprentice physiological and social well being. The study concluded that apprenticeship scheme provided employment after civil war in South East of Nigeria over a long period of time; notwithstanding, apprenticeship scheme faces a lot of problems in the recent times. Thus, to re-engineer apprenticeship scheme in South East, the study recommended that labour laws that would persecute the defaulting master(s) or servant(s) in the contract of apprenticeship scheme have to be established, apprentices have to be given educational opportunity while in apprenticeship scheme; and apprenticeship scheme has to be covered with an effective contract agreement under the supervision of a labour officer.
The effect of designing a rotational planning target volume on sparing pharyngeal constrictor muscles in patients with oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Arbab Mona , Ai Huisi , Bartlett Gregory , Dawson Benjamin , Langer Mark
Published: October 2020

Background

Planning target volume (PTV) has been used to account for variations in tissue, patient and beam position. In oropharyngeal cancers, an isotropic expanded PTV has been used.

Aim

The aim of this study was to design a new margin formula that would cover the space occupied by an oropharyngeal clinical target volume (CTV) with ±5‐degree rotation around the spine in order to reduce the pharyngeal constrictors overlap with PTV compared to an isotropic expanded PTV.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 20 volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans. In order to perform an off‐axis rotation, a hypothetical point was placed through the center of the cervical spinal canal and the image was then rotated around the longitudinal axis ±5 degrees. This created a new set of CTVs that were combined to form the new rotational PTV. The overlap between the pharyngeal constrictor muscles (PCMs) and both PTVs was then evaluated.

Results

The new rotational PTV causes reduction in the superior PCM overlap in the base of tongue (BOT) lesions compared to tonsillar lesion, 57.8% vs 25.8%, P = 0.01, as well as middle PCM overlap, 73% vs 49%, P = 0.04. Average percent change for PTV volume and overlap with the superior, middle, and inferior PCMs are as followed: −19%, −37%, −59.4%, and −45.2. The smallest isotropic expansion that covers the new rotational PTV was between 3 and 5mm with the average tumor center shift of 0.49 cm.

Conclusion

This new rotational PTV causes significant reduction of the overlap volume between PCMs and PTVs in order to spare the PCMs compared to isotropic expanded PTV.
Walking in multiple sclerosis improves with tDCS: a randomized, double‐blind, sham‐controlled study
Authors: Pilloni Giuseppina , Choi Claire , Shaw Michael T , Coghe Giancarlo , Krupp Lauren , Moffat Marilyn , Cocco Eleonora , Pau Massimiliano , Charvet Leigh
Published: October 2020

Objective

To evaluate whether multiple sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the primary motor (M1) cortex paired with aerobic exercise can improve walking functions in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

MS participants were recruited for a double‐blind, parallel‐arm, randomized, sham‐controlled trial and assigned to 10 sessions (5 d/wk for 2 weeks) of either active or sham tDCS paired with unloaded cycling for 20 minutes. Stimulation was administered over the left M1 cortex (2.5 mA; anode over C3/cathode over FP2). Gait spatiotemporal parameters were assessed using a wearable inertial sensor (10‐meter and 2‐minute walking tests). Measurements were collected at baseline, end of tDCS intervention, and 4‐week postintervention to test for duration of any benefits.

Results

A total of 15 participants completed the study, nine in the active and six in the sham condition. The active and sham groups were matched according to gender (50% vs. 40% female), neurologic disability (median EDSS 5.5 vs. 5), and age (mean 52.1 ± 12.9 vs. 53.7 ± 9.8 years). The active group had a significantly greater increase in gait speed (0.87 vs. 1.20 m/s, p < 0.001) and distance covered during the 2‐minute walking test (118.53 vs. 133.06 m, p < 0.001) at intervention end compared to baseline. At 4‐week follow‐up, these improvements were maintained (baseline vs. follow‐up: gait speed 0.87 vs. 1.18 m/s, p < 0.001; distance traveled 118.53 vs. 143.82 m, p < 0.001).

Interpretation

Multiple sessions of tDCS paired with aerobic exercise lead to cumulative and persisting improvements in walking and endurance in patients with MS.
Bioinspired DNase‐I‐Coated Melanin‐Like Nanospheres for Modulation of Infection‐Associated NETosis Dysregulation
Authors: Park Hee Ho , Park Wooram , Lee Yun Young , Kim Hyelim , Seo Hee Seung , Choi Dong Wook , Kwon Ho‐Keun , Na Dong Hee , Kim Tae‐Hyung , Choy Young Bin , Ahn June Hong , Lee Wonhwa , Park Chun Gwon
Published: October 2020

The current outbreak of the beta‐coronavirus (beta‐Cov) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) began in December 2019. No specific antiviral treatments or vaccines are currently available. A recent study has reported that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), the disease caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, is associated with neutrophil‐specific plasma membrane rupture, and release excessive neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and extracellular DNAs (eDNAs). This mechanism involves the activation of NETosis, a neutrophil‐specific programmed cell death, which is believed to play a crucial role in COVID‐19 pathogenesis. Further progression of the disease can cause uncontrolled inflammation, leading to the initiation of cytokine storms, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and sepsis. Herein, it is reported that DNase‐I‐coated melanin‐like nanospheres (DNase‐I pMNSs) mitigate sepsis‐associated NETosis dysregulation, thereby preventing further progression of the disease. Recombinant DNase‐I and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are used as coatings to promote the lengthy circulation and dissolution of NET structure. The data indicate that the application of bioinspired DNase‐I pMNSs reduce neutrophil counts and NETosis‐related factors in the plasma of SARS‐CoV‐2 sepsis patients, alleviates systemic inflammation, and attenuates mortality in a septic mouse model. Altogether, the findings suggest that these nanoparticles have potential applications in the treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2‐related illnesses and other beta‐CoV‐related diseases.
Complete chloroplast genome sequences and codon usage pattern among three wetland plants
Authors: Deng Nan , Liu Caixia , Tian Yuxin , Song Qingan , Niu Yandong , Ma Fengfeng
Published: October 2020

Artificial wetlands are now constructed to be used for wastewater treatment, water quality improvement of reservoirs, and landscape reintegration purposes. The removal and degradation of enriched nutrients and pollutants from them are efficiently done by the activity of wetland plants. Most studies are focused on the purification capacity; the identification and classification of these species are lacking. In the present research, chloroplast genomes (cp genome) of three wetland plants namely, Cyperus alternifolius L., Thalia dealbata Fraser, and Canna indica L. were examined. The cp genomes of these species were sampled and sequenced using Illumina HiSeq platform with a 300‐bp paired‐end sequencing followed by the analysis of codon usage pattern. In the experiment, 3.86 Gb clean data were obtained and 310 genes from each of C. alternifolius and T. dealbata and 62 genes in C. indica were predicted. In the optimal codons analysis, showed that three cp genome preferred A/U‐ending and 3, 11, and 14 were identified in the C. alternifolius, T. dealbata, and C. indica cp genomes, respectively. Advanced analysis indicated that other factors (e.g., natural selection) play a major role in shaping codon usage pattern rather than mutation pressure. These results extend the codon usage bias study of plants and provide genetic data for further identification and phylogenetic studies.
Enabling Action: Reflections upon Inclusive Participatory Research on Health with Women with Disabilities in the Philippines
Authors: Vaughan Cathy , Gill‐Atkinson Liz , Devine Alexandra , Zayas Jerome , Ignacio Raquel , Garcia Joy , Bisda Krissy , Salgado Joy , Marco M. Jesusa
Published: October 2020

People with disabilities experience health disparities arising from social, environmental, and system‐level factors. Evidence from a range of settings suggests women with disabilities have reduced access to health information and experience barriers to screening, prevention, and care services. This results in greater unmet health needs, particularly in relation to sexual and reproductive health. Women with disabilities are also more likely to experience physical and sexual violence than women without disabilities, further undermining their health. Community‐based participatory research (CBPR) can generate knowledge and underpin action to address such health disparities and promote health equity. However, the potential and challenges of disability inclusion in CBPR, particularly in contexts of poverty and structural inequality such as those found in low‐ and middle‐income countries, are not well documented. In this paper, we reflect on our experience of implementing and evaluating W‐DARE, a three‐year program of disability‐inclusive CBPR aiming to increase access to sexual and reproductive health and violence‐response services for women with disabilities in the Philippines. We discuss strategies for increasing disability inclusion in research and use a framework of reflexive solidarity to consider the uneven distribution of the benefits, costs, and responsibilities for action arising from the W‐DARE program.