bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LINC01224 promotes colorectal cancer progression through targeting miR-485-5p/MYO6 axis
Authors: Gu Jingfeng , Dong Liang , Wang Yun , Nie Wenjia , Liu Wencong , Zhao Ji-an
Published: September 2021

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are related to colorectal cancer (CRC) development. However, the role and mechanism of lncRNA LINC01224 in CRC development are largely unknown.

Methods

LINC01224, Yin Yang 1 (YY1), microRNA (miR)-485-5p, and myosins of class VI (MYO6) levels were examined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Functional analyses were processed through CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, transwell, and xenograft analyses. Dual-luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), RNA immunoprecipitation, and pull-down assays were conducted to analyze the binding interaction.

Results

LINC01224 abundance was elevated in CRC tissue samples and cell lines. Elevated LINC01224 might indicate the lower 5-year overall survival in 52 CRC patients. LINC01224 was upregulated via the transcription factor YY1. LINC01224 knockdown restrained CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased apoptosis. MiR-485-5p was sponged by LINC01224, and miR-485-5p downregulation relieved the influence of LINC01224 interference on CRC progression. MYO6 was targeted via miR-485-5p and regulated via LINC01224/miR-485-5p axis. MiR-485-5p overexpression suppressed CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and facilitated apoptosis. MYO6 upregulation mitigated the role of miR-485-5p. LINC01224 knockdown decreased xenograft tumor growth.

Conclusion

YY1-induced LINC01224 regulates CRC development via modulating miR-485-5p/MYO6 axis.
Plasma oxidative stress in reproduction of two eusocial African mole-rat species, the naked mole-rat and the Damaraland mole-rat
Authors: Jacobs Paul Juan , Hart Daniel William , Bennett Nigel Charles
Published: September 2021

One of the most prominent life-history trade-offs involves the cost of reproduction. Oxidative stress has been proposed to be involved in this trade-off and has been associated with reduced life span. There is currently an unclear relationship between oxidative cost and the reproduction-longevity trade-off. The current study, using a non-lethal and minimally invasive (only a single blood sample and no euthanasia) method, investigated whether an oxidative cost (oxidative stress) to reproduction would be apparent in two long-lived eusocial mole-rats, the naked mole-rat (NMR), Heterocephalus glaber, and the Damaraland mole-rat (DMR), Fukomys damarensis, where breeding colony members live longer than non-breeder conspecifics. We measured the direct redox balance in plasma by measuring the oxidative stress index (OSI) based on the ratio of total oxidant status and total antioxidant activity in breeders and non-breeders of both sexes, in the two species. NMR had significantly higher OSI between breeders and non-breeders of each sex, whereas DMR showed no significant differences except for total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The mode of reproductive suppression and the degree of reproductive investment in NMR may explain to some degree the redox balance difference between breeders and non-breeders. DMR show minimal physiological changes between breeders and non-breeders except for the mode of reproduction, which may explain some variations in TAC and TOS values, but similar OSI between breeders and non-breeders.
Hierarchical chromatin features reveal the toxin production in Bungarus multicinctus
Authors: Liao Xuejiao , Guo Shuai , Yin Xianmei , Liao Baosheng , Li Mingqian , Su He , Li Qiushi , Pei Jin , Gao Jihai , Lei Juan , Li Xiwen , Huang Zhihai , Xu Jiang , Chen Shilin
Published: September 2021

Background

Bungarus multicinctus, from which a classical Chinese medicine is produced, is known as the most venomous land snake in the world, but the chromatin organization and transcription factor activity during venom replenishment progress have not been explored yet. This study aimed to determine the roles of chromatin structure in toxin activity via bioinformatics and experimental validation.

Methods

Chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) analysis was used to examine interactions among chromosomes and identify different scales of chromatin during envenomation in B. multicinctus. Correlations between epigenetic modifications and chromatin structure were verified through ChIP-seq analysis. RNA-seq was used to validate the influence of variation in chromatin structure and gene expression levels on venom production and regulation.

Results

Our results suggested that intra-chromosomal interactions are more intense than inter-chromosomal interactions among the control group, 3-day group of venom glands and muscles. Through this, we found that compartmental transition was correlated with chromatin interactions. Interestingly, the up-regulated genes in more compartmental switch regions reflect the function of toxin activity. Topologically associated domain (TAD) boundaries enriched with histone modifications are associated with different distributions of genes and the expression levels. Toxin-coding genes in the same loop are highly expressed, implying that the importance of epigenetic regulation during envenomination. On a smaller scale, the epigenetic markers affect transcriptional regulation by controlling the recruitment/inhibition of transcription initiation complexes.

Conclusions

Chromatin structure and epigenetic modifications could play a vital status role in the mechanisms of venom regulation in B. multicinctus.
UBE2S promotes the progression and Olaparib resistance of ovarian cancer through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Hu Wenjing , Li Min , Chen Youguo , Gu Xinxian
Published: September 2021

Background

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide. Olaparib, an inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), is becoming widely used in ovarian cancer treatment. The overall survival of ovarian cancer has not been significantly changed over the past decades and ovarian cancer has become increasingly resistant to the Olaparib. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2S (UBE2S) has been proved to promote malignant behaviors in many cancers. However, the function of UBE2S in the development and Olaparib resistance of ovarian cancer are unclear.

Materials and methods

In this study, we detected the expression of UBE2S in normal fallopian tube (FT) and HGSOC tissues. A2780 and SKOV3 cells were stably transfected with PCMV-UBE2S, PCMV-UBE2S-C95S, UBE2S shRNAs, and negative controls. The CCK8 assay and clonogenic assay were conducted to analyze ovarian cancer proliferation and Olaparib resistance. The transwell assay was performed to determine the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. The relative protein levels of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were tested using western blot. The ovarian cancer cells were treated with XAV-939 to investigate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in Olaparib resistance. Moreover, we repeated some above procedures in the xenograft model.

Results

The results demonstrated that UBE2S was highly upregulated in HGSOC and that high UBE2S expression was correlated with poor outcomes in HGSOC. UBE2S promoted ovarian cancer proliferation and drived the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. UBE2S activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in ovarian cancer resulting in Olaparib resistance in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, UBE2S enhanced the proliferation and Olaparib resistance of ovarian cancer in its enzymatic activity dependent manner.

Conclusions

These data suggest a possible molecular mechanism of proliferation and metastasis of ovarian cancer and highlight the potential role of UBE2S as a therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
Early skin contact combined with mother’s breastfeeding to shorten the process of premature infants ≤ 30 weeks of gestation to achieve full oral feeding: the study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Liling , Wang Li , Niu Conway , Liu Chan , Lv Tianchan , Ji Futing , Yu Ling , Yan Weili , Dou Ya Lan , Wang Yin , Cao Yun , Huang Guoying , Hu Xiaojing
Published: September 2021

Background

Most hospitalized preterm infants experience difficulties in transitioning from tube feeding to full oral feeding. Interventions to promote full oral feeding in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are limited to pacifier use or bottle-feeding exercises. Skin contact has been shown to be beneficial to start and maintain lactation and provide preterm infants with the opportunity to suck on the mother’s breast, which may promote further development of the preterm infant’s suckling patterns. The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the effects of skin contact combined with breastfeeding (suck on the mother’s empty breast) as compared to the routine pacifier suckling training model in achieving full oral feeding for infants whose gestational age are ≤ 30 weeks.

Methods

This is a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in the NICU and designed according to the SPIRIT Statement. The subjects included in the study are premature infants born between April 2020 and July 2021 with a gestational age of ≤30 weeks, birth weight of <1500 g, admission age of <72 h, and absence of congenital malformations. Those with oxygenation indices of >40 and those born to mothers with poor verbal communication skills will be excluded. A sample of 148 infants is needed. The infants will be randomized to the intervention (skin contact combined with mother’s breastfeeding model) or control group (routine pacifier sucking training model). The primary outcome is the time required to achieve full oral feeding. The secondary outcomes are the breastfeeding abilities of preterm infants as assessed by the Preterm Infant Breastfeeding Behavior Scale (PIBBS), breastfeeding rates at 3 and 6 months corrected gestational age, complication rates, duration of oxygen requirement, days of hospital stay, and satisfaction of parents.

Discussion

This paper describes the first single-center, open-label, randomized clinical trial on this topic and will provide crucial information to support the implementation of skin contact combined with the breastfeeding model in the NICU setting.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 04283682. Registered on 8 February 2020.
Techno-economic analysis for the role of single end energy user in mitigating GHG emission
Authors: Ahmed Waqas , Sheikh Jamil Ahmed , Nouman Muhammad , Ullah Mian Farhan , Mahmud M. A. Parvez
Published: September 2021

Background

Households, as end energy users, consume grid electricity to meet their energy demands. However, grids across the globe for energy production are majorly based on fossil fuel technology and make the highest contributions to global warming and climate change due to greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. This generic study aims to investigate the minute role of a single-end energy consumer in GHG mitigation by switching to a rooftop PV system to meet his energy demands and trading surplus energy to the grid through its techno-economic analysis.

Method

For the study impact, NASA Meteorological Data are used to select an ideal single energy user equipped with a 10-kW PV system based on annual average daily solar radiation and ambient temperature through MATLAB/Simulink, for 11 populous cities in Pakistan. Helioscope software is used to select tilt and azimuthal angles to maximize the solar radiation intercept. Afterward, RETScreen software is used for cost, financial and GHG analysis.

Result and conclusion

A single end energy user equipped with a 10-kW PV system switched to a green energy source from a fossil fuel-based grid has the potential to avoid the burning of 3570.6 L of gasoline by producing 16,832 kWh of green energy per annum, while financially recovering the 10-kW PV system’s 7337$ grid-tied investment in 5 years (equity) and in 9 years (equity) in a 9077$ stand-alone system over its 25-year life. This approach provides relief to end energy users from high priced grid electricity through environmental friendliness by mitigating 8.3 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per annum from energy production, while providing relief to the main grid by grid stabilization through peak shaving, in the broad sense.
Sexual quality of life and sexual self-efficacy among women during reproductive-menopausal transition stages and postmenopause: a comparative study
Authors: Riazi Hedyeh , Madankan Fatemeh , Azin Seyed Ali , Nasiri Maliheh , Montazeri Ali
Published: September 2021

Sexual self-efficacy is essential for appropriate and desirable sexual function and sexual quality of life. This study aimed to compare sexual quality of life and sexual self-efficacy among women during reproductive-menopausal transition stages and postmenopause. This was a cross-sectional study of a sample of Iranian women. The sexual quality of life-female (SQOL-F) scale was used to measure sexual quality of life (SQOL) and sexual self-efficacy (SSE) was measured using the sexual self-efficacy questionnaire (SSEQ). Data were compared between the study groups using multiple linear regression. In all 340 women (170 in reproductive-menopausal transition stages and 170 postmenopause) were studied. The mean ages of reproductive-menopausal transition stages and postmenopausal women was 30.8 ± 6.55 and 56.3 ± 3.54 respectively (P < 0.001). Sexual self-efficacy and sexual quality of life were found to be significantly higher in reproductive-menopausal transition stages compared with postmenopause women (P < 0.001 and P = 0.017 respectively). Sexual and relationship satisfaction and sexual repression subscales differed significantly between the two groups (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001 respectively). Higher sexual self-efficacy contributed to higher sexual quality of life (P < 0.0001). Reproductive-menopausal transition stages women appear to enjoy higher levels of sexual self-efficacy and sexual quality of life. Given the importance of sexual quality of life, it is recommended to pay greater attention to sexual self-efficacy among postmenopausal women in order to improve sexual quality of life in this population.
Testing an online measure of portion size selection: a pilot study concerned with the measurement of ideal portion size
Authors: Embling Rochelle , Lee Michelle D. , Price Menna , Wilkinson Laura L.
Published: September 2021

Background

Portion size is known to be a key driver of food intake. As consumed portions are often pre-planned, ‘ideal portion size’—an individual’s preferred meal size selected prior to eating—has been identified as a strong predictor of actual consumption. However, assessments of ideal portion size have predominantly relied on laboratory-based computer tasks, limiting use online. Therefore, this cross-sectional study sought to pilot test the validity of a web-based tool to measure ideal portion size.

Methods

In an online study (N = 48), participants responded to images of a range of foods. Each food was photographed in a series of different portions and loaded into an ‘image carousel’ that would allow participants to change the size of the displayed portion by moving a slider left-to-right. Using this image carousel, participants selected their ideal portion size. They also completed measures of expected satiety and expected satiation and self-reported their age and body mass index (BMI). A non-parametric correlation matrix was used to explore associations between ideal portion size and identified predictors of food intake.

Results

Supporting convergent validity of this measure, ideal portion size was significantly correlated with expected satiety (rs = .480) and expected satiation (rs = −.310) after controlling for effects of baseline hunger and fullness, consistent with past research. Similarly, supporting divergent validity of this measure, ideal portion size was not significantly correlated with age (rs = −.032) or BMI (rs = −.111,).

Conclusions

Pilot results support the validity of this web-based portion size selection tool used to measure ideal portion size, though further research is needed to validate use with comparisons to actual food intake.
Epidemiological profile of brain tumors in Cameroon: a retrospective study
Authors: Motah Mathieu , Gams Massi Daniel , Fouda Bekolo Fabien , Akweseh Nju Nkemontoh , Ndoumbe Aurélien , Moumi Mireille , Sango Anne , Shu Paul , Eyenga Victor
Published: September 2021

Background

Brain tumors represent group of neoplasms originating from intracranial tissues and the meninges. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of brain tumors seen in a referral health center in Cameroon. We carried out a 10-year retrospective study in the neurosurgical, neurology, pathology, oncology and radiotherapy units of our hospital.

Results

We found 150 complete case files accounting for 0.7% of total admissions in the various units. Males accounted for 50.7% of the cases. Children less than 14 years represented 12.7% of cases (n = 19). Primary brain tumors constituted 92% (n = 138). Most patients with primary brain tumors were between 25 and 54 years of age, making up 57% of cases (n = 79). The most prevalent histological type of brain tumor was meningioma (26%, n = 39), followed by astrocytoma (24.7%, n = 37), and pituitary adenomas (18%, n = 27). The majority of cases presented with signs of raised intracranial pressure with headache being the most frequent symptom (88%). Some patients presented with seizures (34%), neurological deficit (13%), visual disturbances (10%), and cognitive disorders (7%).

Conclusion

Young adults represent the most affected age group. Meningioma, astrocytoma and pituitary adenomas were the most frequent brain tumors in adults. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term outcome of patients with BTs.
Multidrug resistant E. coli recovered from household reared female budgerigar pet bird (Melopsittacus undulatus) in Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria: a case report
Authors: Okunlade Adelekan Oluseyi , Esan Oluwaseun Olanrewaju , Ogunleye Akinlabi Oladele
Published: September 2021

Background

Pet birds are housed and reared exclusively for ornamental use. These include psittaciformes (parrots, parakeets, budgerigars, love birds) and passeriformes (e.g. canaries, finches, sparrows, also called songbirds). E. coli is a Gram negative bacterium. In birds, it is called Avian Pathogenic E. coli and is a causative agent of avian colibacillosis. Antimicrobial resistance is the process through which bacteria evade the activity of antibiotics. According to WHO (World Health Organization), antibiotic resistance is the result of indiscriminate use of these drugs which are used both in Veterinary and human medicine.

Case presentation

A one and half year old yellow female budgerigar pet bird (Melopsittacus undulatus) with patches of black and white on wings and back, kept as companion (one out of four) was presented dead at the avian clinic section of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. It was reported to have presented signs of anorexia and diarrhea for two days before death. Provisional diagnosis was colibacillosis. Intestinal samples were sent for microbial culture and sensitivity. The samples yielded growth of E. coli. Antimicrobial susceptibility revealed that the organism showed resistance to all tested antibiotics.

Conclusions

Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli constitutes a major public health concern. The constant interaction between household companion birds and humans gives room for disease transmission. Wild birds kept as pets or companions harbor pathogenic and zoonotic pathogens, hence a threat to public health.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia simulating breast carcinoma
Authors: Masood Laiba , Sayeed Sana , Aslam Samreen
Published: September 2021

Background

Breast metastasis in hematological malignancies is a rare phenomenon, and it is primarily seen in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), this condition is even rarer.

Case presentation.

We present a case of a precursor B cell ALL involving breast in a 40-year-old female and its imaging features on mammography and ultrasound. Histopathology of core needle biopsy (CNB) specimen allowed us to diagnose ALL with extramedullary metastases. The patient was referred to oncology for further management.

Conclusion

To conclude, ALL infiltrating breast is rare but should be given due consideration, especially in the cases of known primary hematopoietic malignancy, particularly in patients presenting with a history of sudden lumps in the breast. A CNB can give reliable results in combination with flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, circumventing the need for an excisional biopsy and allowing the commencement of early treatment.
Arabic translation and validation of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale
Authors: Elwany Samy , Atef Ahmed , Ismail Ahmed Soliman , Hussein Wael K. A. , Ibrahim Ahmed Aly , Abdelnaby Mostafa , Elgersh Mohamed , Elwany Mohamed
Published: September 2021

Background

The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale has been developed and validated in English to overcome the controversies concerning other methods of evaluation of nasal obstruction. The scale is currently used worldwide and has been translated into several languages. The purpose of the present work was to translate the English (NOSE) scale into Arabic (A-NOSE) and to assess its validity and reliability in Arabic-speaking patients.

Results

The internal consistency and test-to-test reliability of the Arabic scale were statistically good. The differences between the scores of the patients and control subjects were statistically significant. Postoperative scores of the patients were significantly higher than preoperative scores. All participants completed the Arabic questionnaire easily and few of them required slight assistance.

Conclusions

The translated NOSE scale is easy to administer and can be a robust and usable outcome measure for patients with nasal obstruction. The translated scale is sensitive to changes in nasal airway patency and can be used in clinical practice and outcome research.
Targeted Mutational Analysis of Cortisol-Producing Adenomas
Authors: Rege Juilee , Hoxie Jessie , Liu Chia-Jen , Cash Morgan N , Luther James M , Gellert Lan , Turcu Adina F , Else Tobias , Giordano Thomas J , Udager Aaron M , Rainey William E , Nanba Kazutaka
Published: September 2021

Context

Somatic gene mutations have been identified in only about half of cortisol-producing adenomas (CPAs). Affected genes include PRKACA, GNAS, PRKAR1A, and CTNNB1.

Objective

This work aims to expand our understanding of the prevalence of somatic mutations in CPAs from patients with overt Cushing syndrome (OCS) and “subclinical” mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE), with an immunohistochemistry (IHC)‒guided targeted amplicon sequencing approach using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue.

Methods

We analyzed FFPE adrenal tissue from 77 patients (n = 12 men, 65 women) with either OCS (n = 32) or MACE (n = 45). Using IHC for 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B2), we identified 78 CPAs (32 OCS CPAs and 46 MACE CPAs). Genomic DNA was isolated from the FFPE CPAs and subjected to targeted amplicon sequencing for identification of somatic mutations.

Results

Somatic mutations were identified in 71.8% (56/78) of the CPAs. While PRKACA was the most frequently mutated gene in OCS CPAs (14/32, 43.8%), somatic genetic aberrations in CTNNB1 occurred in 56.5% (26/46) of the MACE CPAs. Most GNAS mutations were observed in MACE CPAs (5/7, 71.4%). No mutations were observed in PRKAR1A. In addition to the known mutations, we identified one previously unreported mutation in PRKACA. Two patients with MACE harbored 2 adjacent tumors within the same adrenal gland - one patient had 2 CPAs, and the other patient had a CPA and an aldosterone-producing adenoma (identified by IHC for aldosterone synthase).

Conclusion

A comprehensive FFPE IHC-guided gene-targeted sequencing approach identified somatic mutations in 71.8% of the CPAs. OCS CPAs demonstrated a distinct mutation profile compared to MACE CPAs.
Low-Iodine Diet of 4 Days Is Sufficient Preparation for 131I Therapy in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients
Authors: Dekker Bernadette L , Links Mirthe H , Muller Kobold Anneke C , Swart-Busscher Linda G , Kars Marleen , Bons Judith A P , Brouwers Adrienne H , Links Thera P , van der Horst-Schrivers Anouk N A
Published: September 2021

Context

No consensus exists about the optimal duration of the low-iodine diet (LID) in the preparation of 131I therapy in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients.

Objective

This work aimed to investigate if a LID of 4 days is enough to achieve adequate iodine depletion in preparation for 131I therapy. In addition, the nutritional status of the LID was evaluated.

Methods

In this prospective study, 65 DTC patients treated at 2 university medical centers were included between 2018 and 2021. The patients collected 24-hour urine on days 4 and 7 of the LID and kept a food diary before and during the LID. The primary outcome was the difference between the 24-hour urinary iodine excretion (UIE) on both days.

Results

The median 24-hour UIE on days 4 and 7 of the LID were not significantly different (36.1 mcg [interquartile range, 25.4-51.2 mcg] and 36.5 mcg [interquartile range, 23.9-47.7 mcg], respectively, P = .43). On day 4 of the LID, 72.1% of the DTC patients were adequately prepared (24-hour UIE < 50 mcg), and 82.0% of the DTC patients on day 7 (P = .18). Compared to the self-reported regular diet, DTC patients showed a significantly (P < .01) lower percentage of nutrient intake (calories, protein, calcium, iodine, and water) during the LID.

Conclusion

The 24-hour UIE on day 4 of the LID did not differ from day 7, and therefore shortening the LID from 7 to 4 days seems justified to prepare DTC patients for 131I therapy in areas with sufficient iodine intake and may be beneficial to maintain a sufficient nutritional intake during DTC treatment.
Metabolic Homeostasis: It’s All in the Timing
Authors: Brubaker Patricia L , Martchenko Alexandre
Published: September 2021

Cross-talk between peripheral tissues is essential to ensure the coordination of nutrient intake with disposition during the feeding period, thereby preventing metabolic disease. This mini-review considers the interactions between the key peripheral tissues that constitute the metabolic clock, each of which is considered in a separate mini-review in this collation of articles published in Endocrinology in 2020 and 2021, by Martchenko et al (Circadian rhythms and the gastrointestinal tract: relationship to metabolism and gut hormones); Alvarez et al (The microbiome as a circadian coordinator of metabolism); Seshadri and Doucette (Circadian regulation of the pancreatic beta cell); McCommis et al (The importance of keeping time in the liver); Oosterman et al (The circadian clock, shift work, and tissue-specific insulin resistance); and Heyde et al (Contributions of white and brown adipose tissues to the circadian regulation of energy metabolism). The use of positive- and negative-feedback signals, both hormonal and metabolic, between these tissues ensures that peripheral metabolic pathways are synchronized with the timing of food intake, thus optimizing nutrient disposition and preventing metabolic disease. Collectively, these articles highlight the critical role played by the circadian clock in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.
Black Gathering
Authors: Cervenak Sarah Jane
Published: September 2021

In Black Gathering Sarah Jane Cervenak engages with Black artists and writers who create alternative spaces for Black people to gather free from interruption or regulation. Drawing together Black feminist theory, critical theories of ecology and ecoaesthetics, and Black aesthetics, Cervenak shows how novelists, poets, and visual artists such as Gayl Jones, Toni Morrison, Clementine Hunter, Samiya Bashir, and Leonardo Drew advance an ecological imagination that unsettles Western philosophical ideas of the earth as given to humans. In their aestheticization and conceptualization of gathering, these artists investigate the relationships among art, the environment, home, and forms of Black togetherness. Cervenak argues that by offering a formal and conceptual praxis of gathering, Black artists imagine liberation and alternative ways of being in the world that exist beyond those Enlightenment philosophies that presume Black people and earth as given to enclosure and ownership.
Association between maternal antenatal care visits and newborn low birth weight in Bangladesh: a national representative survey
Authors: Ahmed Md. Sabbir , Sahrin Sumaia , Yunus Fakir Md
Published: September 2021

Background: Low Birth Weight (LBW) is a global health concern for childhood mortality and morbidity. The objectives of this study were to assess the association between the number of Antenatal Care Visits (ANC) and LBW among Bangladeshi newborns, and to identify the demographic and socio-economic predictors of LBW.  

Methods: Our present cross-sectional study is based on the secondary data of the Bangladesh Demography and Health Survey (BDHS) 2014. Complete data of 4,235 (weighted) mother-child pairs were included in the analysis.  

Results: The overall prevalence of LBW among newborns were found to be 19.3% (95% CI: 17.8-20.9). Among the mothers who received antenatal care services 1-3 times during pregnancy, 35% had less possibility of having LBW babies [COR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50-0.85]. The association remained significant after adjusting the analysis with the sex of the newborn, administrative regions (division), maternal educational status, mother’s weight status and fathers’ occupation [AOR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.55-0.99]. Additionally, the sex of the newborn, division, maternal education, maternal weight status, and fathers’ occupational status were found to be significantly associated with LBW.  

Conclusion: Increasing the coverage of antenatal services and enabling mothers to receive quality antenatal services may substantially contribute to reducing the prevalence of LBW in Bangladesh.
Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of osteoarthritis management programmes in primary or community care settings: a systematic review and qualitative framework synthesis protocol
Authors: Cunningham Joice , M. Briggs Andrew , Cottrell Elizabeth , Doyle Frank , Dziedzic Krysia , Finney Andrew , Murphy Paul , Paskins Zoe , Sheridan Eoin , Swaithes Laura , P. French Helen
Published: September 2021

Despite consistent international guidelines for osteoarthritis (OA) management, evidence-based treatments are underutilised. OA management programmes (OAMPs) are being implemented internationally to address this evidence-practice gap. An OAMP is defined as a ‘model of evidence-based, non-surgical OA care that has been implemented in a real-world setting’. Our objective is to identify, synthesise and appraise qualitative research identifying anticipated or experienced micro (individual/behavioural), meso (organisational) or macro (context/system) level barriers or facilitators to the implementation of primary or community care-based OAMPs. Five electronic databases will be searched for papers published between 2010 and 2021. Qualitative or mixed-methods studies that include qualitative data on the anticipated or experienced barriers or facilitators to the implementation of primary or community care-based OAMPs, from the perspective of service users or service providers, will be included. The review will be reported using the PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines. A data extraction form will be used to provide details of the included studies. Data will be analysed and identified barriers and facilitators will be mapped onto an appropriate implementation framework, such as the Theoretical Domains Framework. The appropriate JBI critical appraisal tools will be used to assess methodological quality, while the GRADE‐CERQual approach will be used to assess confidence in the findings. Translation of evidence-based guidelines into practice is challenging and reliant on the quality of implementation. By comparing and contrasting anticipated and experienced barriers, this review will determine the extent of congruence between the two, and provide valuable insights into the views and experiences of key stakeholders involved in the implementation of OAMPs. The mapping of identified barriers and facilitators to behaviour change theory will enhance the applicability and construct validity of our findings and will offer significant utility for future development and implementation of OAMPs.

Registration: This protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021255698) on 15/07/21.
Tracking the international spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineages B.1.1.7 and B.1.351/501Y-V2 with grinch
Authors: O'Toole Áine , Hill Verity , Pybus Oliver G. , Watts Alexander , Bogoch Issac I. , Khan Kamran , Messina Jane P. ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium,   Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa (NGS-SA),   Brazil-UK CADDE Genomic Network, Tegally Houriiyah , Lessells Richard R. , Giandhari Jennifer , Pillay Sureshnee , Tumedi Kefentse Arnold , Nyepetsi Gape , Kebabonye Malebogo , Matsheka Maitshwarelo , Mine Madisa , Tokajian Sima , Hassan Hamad , Salloum Tamara , Merhi Georgi , Koweyes Jad , Geoghegan Jemma L. , de Ligt Joep , Ren Xiaoyun , Storey Matthew , Freed Nikki E. , Pattabiraman Chitra , Prasad Pramada , Desai Anita S. , Vasanthapuram Ravi , Schulz Thomas F. , Steinbrück Lars , Stadler Tanja ,   Swiss Viollier Sequencing Consortium, Parisi Antonio , Bianco Angelica , García de Viedma Darío , Buenestado-Serrano Sergio , Borges Vítor , Isidro Joana , Duarte Sílvia , Gomes João Paulo , Zuckerman Neta S. , Mandelboim Michal , Mor Orna , Seemann Torsten , Arnott Alicia , Draper Jenny , Gall Mailie , Rawlinson William , Deveson Ira , Schlebusch Sanmarié , McMahon Jamie , Leong Lex , Lim Chuan Kok , Chironna Maria , Loconsole Daniela , Bal Antonin , Josset Laurence , Holmes Edward , St. George Kirsten , Lasek-Nesselquist Erica , Sikkema Reina S. , Oude Munnink Bas , Koopmans Marion , Brytting Mia , Sudha rani V. , Pavani S. , Smura Teemu , Heim Albert , Kurkela Satu , Umair Massab , Salman Muhammad , Bartolini Barbara , Rueca Martina , Drosten Christian , Wolff Thorsten , Silander Olin , Eggink Dirk , Reusken Chantal , Vennema Harry , Park Aekyung , Carrington Christine , Sahadeo Nikita , Carr Michael , Gonzalez Gabo ,   SEARCH Alliance San Diego,   National Virus Reference Laboratory,   SeqCOVID-Spain,   Danish Covid-19 Genome Consortium (DCGC),   Communicable Diseases Genomic Network (CDGN),   Dutch National SARS-CoV-2 surveillance program,   Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases (KDCA), de Oliveira Tulio , Faria Nuno , Rambaut Andrew , Kraemer Moritz U. G.
Published: September 2021

Late in 2020, two genetically-distinct clusters of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with mutations of biological concern were reported, one in the United Kingdom and one in South Africa. Using a combination of data from routine surveillance, genomic sequencing and international travel we track the international dispersal of lineages B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 (variant 501Y-V2). We account for potential biases in genomic surveillance efforts by including passenger volumes from location of where the lineage was first reported, London and South Africa respectively. Using the software tool grinch (global report investigating novel coronavirus haplotypes), we track the international spread of lineages of concern with automated daily reports, Further, we have built a custom tracking website (cov-lineages.org/global_report.html) which hosts this daily report and will continue to include novel SARS-CoV-2 lineages of concern as they are detected.
Niewykorzystana szansa? O inkluzywnym potencjale niemieckiej koncepcji duszpasterstwa szkolnego jako źródle inspiracji dla Kościoła w Polsce
Authors: Chrostowski Mariusz
Published: September 2021

Młodzi ludzie postrzegają Kościół katolicki w Polsce jako instytucję zamkniętą na osoby o innym światopoglądzie oraz niezdolną do podejmowania otwartego dialogu w obliczu przemian społeczno-kulturowych. Przezwyciężeniu dostrzeganych przez młodzież dyskrepancji w działalności Kościoła, ale także napięć zachodzących pomiędzy inkluzją a ekskluzją w podejściu do religii w ramach procesów wychowania, edukacji i socjalizacji mogłoby pomóc duszpasterstwo szkolne, które jest jednym z zapomnianych zasobów w polskiej koncepcji edukacji religijnej. W tym kontekście celem niniejszego artykułu jest prezentacja duszpasterstwa szkolnego jako oferty pozalekcyjnej i całkowicie dobrowolnej, będącej płaszczyzną szeroko rozumianej inkluzji, która w centrum swoich działań stawia konkretną osobę - ucznia, rodzica lub nauczyciela - z całym jej bagażem doświadczeń o charakterze indywidualnym lub społecznym.
De Pulchra, pax omnium rerum tranquillitas ordinis. Przyczynki do estetyki św. Augustyna
Authors: Warchał Robert Artur
Published: September 2021

Niniejszy artykuł miał na celu odpowiedź na fundamentalne pytanie dotyczące sposobu istnienia idee w epistemologii Augustyna oraz zaznajomienie czytelnika z niektórymi (współczesnymi) interpretacjami tego zagadnienia. Autor budując podstawy dla średniowiecznej teorii powszechników czerpał z tradycji starożytnej oraz Biblii, w tym odnosił się do rozważań z zakresu ówczesnej astronomii, kosmologii i matematyki. Myśliciel z Tagasty określił idee jako niezmienne formy rzeczy. W jego ocenie całe stworzenie nosi pewien ślad podobieństwa względem Boga, co w konsekwencji przekłada się na pogląd, że każdy byt stanowi większą lub mniejszą realizację prawideł odnoszących się do uniwersalnego sposobu istnienia res intelligibiles. Wobec powyższego założenia ciekawie przedstawia się Augustyńska teoria piękna. Autor utrzymuje jej obiektywność obok innych transcendentalnych właściwości bytu: jedność, równość, liczba, rytm, proporcja i porządek są głównymi elementami jego estetyki. Szczególne znaczenie tej doktryny polega na tym, że niematerialne idee umożliwiają osiągnięcie doskonałości życia duchowego, a co za tym idzie zbliżają nas do Boga, który dla Augustyna jest pierwszym artystą a zarazem swoistym pryncypium dzieła stworzenia.
Chrystologia aksjologiczna Józefa Tischnera
Authors: Wołowski Lech Bolesław
Published: September 2021

Artykuł podejmuje zagadnienie aksjologicznego spojrzenia na chrystologię w myśli Józefa Tischnera. Ten wybitny polski myśliciel znany jest ze swojego wkładu w dziedzinie aksjologii. Prawie zupełnie nieznana jest natomiast jego myśl chrystologiczna. Tymczasem w swych pracach pokazuje on, że dzięki spojrzeniu aksjologicznemu na osobę Chrystusa możemy odświeżyć i pogłębić tradycyjne podejście do chrystologii. Analizując cztery nowożytne propozycje chrystologiczne, kwestionujące chrystologię tradycyjną, autorstwa neoheglistów, renanistów, Bultmanna i Jaspersa, krakowski myśliciel stara się wydobyć z nich wspólny, aksjologiczny rdzeń, który pozwala mu stworzyć nowe aksjologiczne podejście do chrystologii. Niniejszy artykuł ma na celu rekonstrukcję i tam gdzie to konieczne twórczą syntezę uzupełniającą zaproponowanej przez Tischnera wizji chrystologii na podstawie trzech jego prac: Filozofia czeka na wcielenie, Jezus egzystencjalizmu i Ku Transcendencji, która jest Osobą.
IMAGINARIO SOCIAL DEL CUERPO DE LA MUJER EN LA PRENSA POPULAR DE CHILE. UNA PROPUESTA PARA SU ANÁLISIS.
Authors: Huerta Norma , Browne Rodrigo , Ortiz de Zárate Amalia , Hurtado Marcela
Published: September 2021

El objetivo de este texto es analizar el imaginario social del cuerpo de la mujer en el diario de corte popular “La Cuarta” de Chile, desde la perspectiva de la transformación del cuerpo por la modernidad, que implanta una concepción reificante de éste y que es reproducida por los medios de comunicación. Como estrategia metodológica se propone la utilización del Análisis Crítico del Discurso Periodístico.
Mind MOT: Are you suffering from ‘pandemic brain’?
Authors: Tang Audrey
Published: September 2021

The stress and uncertainty of the last 18 months and the crisis mode that we have all been living in has caused many people to suffer from ‘brain fog’ and a lack of concentration they can't shake off, says Audrey Tang
Group B strep in mothers and babies
Authors: Noakes Amy
Published: September 2021

Group B strep can be harmful to newborns. Most babies who come into contact with the bacteria during labour or birth experience no problems, but a small number may become seriously ill if they are infected, as Amy Noakes explains
L’evolució demogràfica de la Catalunya interior al llarg dels segles XVIII i XIX. El cas del Pla d’Urgell
Authors: Palau Elcacho Lisard
Published: September 2021

Al llarg dels segles xviii i xix la comarca del Pla d’Urgell va experimentar un creixement demogràfic important, atès que va arribar a multiplicar la seva població per sis. Aquest increment es va donar gràcies a un elevat i constant creixement vegetatiu (uns naixements que, amb més o menys intensitat, no van parar de créixer vers unes defuncions que, en termes generals, sempre es van ubicar per sota d’aquests), ajudat, a partir de 1860, per un saldo migratori positiu. Aquest equilibri, però, era molt fràgil. Qualsevol conflicte bèl·lic, inclemència climatològica, període de males collites o l’arribada de qualsevol epidèmia (algunes d’elles endèmiques a la comarca), es traduïa en episodis amb una mortalitat catastròfica elevada.
Pautes de consum i condicions de vida dels treballadors de la terra a partir dels inventaris post mortem a Catalunya: el cas de la Selva (1750-1805)
Authors: Mas Ferrer Josep
Published: September 2021

En el present estudi es mostra l’anàlisi de prop d’un centenar d’inventaris post mortem d’individus etiquetats com a treballadors de la terra, redactats en notaries selvatanes al llarg de la segona meitat del segle xviii, en tres talls cronològics concrets: 1750-1755, 1775-1780 i 1800-1805.
L’objectiu és explorar l’evolució de les seves pautes de consum, així com la de les possibilitats d’accés a la propietat de la terra. També reflexionem sobre els processos de diferenciació social i el sorgiment d’una etiqueta nova per identificar els treballadors de la terra enriquits: els menestrals.
Collaborative semi-global stereo matching
Authors: Bu Penghui , Zhao Hong , Yan Jiaxing , Jin Yusheng
Published: September 2021

Efficiency and accuracy of semi-global matching (SGM) make it outperform many stereo matching algorithms and is widely used under challenging occasions. However, SGM only incorporates information along a scanline in each pass and lacks interaction between scanlines, resulting in streak artifacts in the disparity image. We introduce a local edge-aware filtering method to SGM to enhance the interaction of neighboring scanlines, since streak artifacts can be avoided. We use bilateral weights based on intensity similarity and spatial affinity between pixels to build connections among scanlines. In each pass, we recursively estimate the aggregated cost of SGM and compute the weighted average of aggregated costs for pixels in the orthogonal direction to obtain the output of our method along each scanline. As one-dimensional bilateral filtering is used in our method, the extra computation is linear to image resolution and label space, which is a small fraction of that needed by SGM. We present ablation studies using stereo pairs under both constrained and natural conditions to verify the effectiveness of our method. Extensive experiments on Middlebury and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Toyota Technology Institute datasets demonstrate that our method removes all streak artifacts, improves the quality of the disparity image, and outperforms many other non-local cost aggregation approaches.
Directional control of the off-normal scattering from a single nanodisk by superposed linearly and radially polarized beams
Authors: Fu Yuhang , Wang Xianghui , Xing Zhenyu , Liu Wenjing , Cheng Jierong
Published: September 2021

A scheme to dynamically control the off-axis directional scattering from a silicon nanodisk is proposed, which is based on focused fields formed by the coherent superposition of radially and linearly polarized beams. When the phase condition of the generalized Kerker conditions is satisfied at a specified wavelength, the amplitude requirement for the off-axis directional scattering along a required direction can be fulfilled by tuning the magnitude ratio of the two focused beams. Therefore, directional control of the off-axis scattering in the meridional plane is achieved without the manipulation of the working wavelength. Our findings provide new possibilities of future potential applications of all-dielectric nanoantennas.
Free-space optical communication with quasi-ring Airy vortex beam under limited-size receiving aperture and atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Zhu Long , Wang Andong , Deng Mingliang , Lu Bing , Guo Xiaojin
Published: September 2021

Vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM), which feature helical wavefronts, have been regarded as an alternative degree of freedom for free-space optical (FSO) communication systems. However, in practical applications, atmospheric turbulence and limited-size receiving aperture effects will cause OAM modal degradation and seriously reduce the received power. In this paper, by controlling the radial phase distribution of conventional OAM beams, quasi-ring Airy vortex beams (QRAVBs) are successfully generated in the experiments to increase the received power under the limited-size receiving aperture conditions. By employing 72-Gbit/s 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM) discrete multi-tone (DMT) signals, we successfully demonstrate free-space data transmission with QRAVBs in the experiments. Moreover, the transmission performance of QRAVBs under atmospheric turbulence is also evaluated. Comparing with conventional OAM beam and Bessel beam, the obtained results show that QRAVBs can achieve higher received power and better BER performance under limited-size receiving aperture and atmospheric turbulence conditions.
Visible photon generation via four-wave mixing in near-infrared near-zero-index thin films
Authors: Carnemolla Enrico G. , Jaffray Wallace , Clerici Matteo , Caspani Lucia , Faccio Daniele , Biancalana Fabio , Devault Clayton , Shalaev Vladimir M. , Boltasseva Alexandra , Ferrera Marcello
Published: September 2021

Optical nonlinearities can be strongly enhanced by operating in the so-called near-zero-index (NZI) regime, where the real part of the refractive index of the system under investigation approaches zero. Here we experimentally demonstrate semi-degenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) in aluminum zinc oxide thin films generating radiation tunable in the visible spectral region, where the material is highly transparent. To this end, we employed an intense pump (787 nm) and a seed tunable in the NIR window (1100–1500 nm) to generate a visible idler wave (530–620 nm). Experiments show enhancement of the frequency conversion efficiency with a maximum of 2% and a signal-to-pump detuning of 360 nm. Effective idler wavelength tuning has also been demonstrated by operating on the temporal delay between the pump and signal.