bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O impacto das relações familiares no comportamento suicida
Authors: Silva Daniel Augusto da , Marcolan João Fernando
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: Analisar o impacto das relações familiares no comportamento suicida. Metodologia: Pesquisa exploratória, descritiva, abordagem qualitativa, realizada de dezembro de 2017 a novembro de 2019 em Unidade de Pronto Atendimento de Assis/SP. Entrevistas realizadas com pessoas com tentativa de suicídio. Empregou-se referencial metodológico de Análise de Conteúdo. Projeto de pesquisa aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: Entrevistados 113 participantes de total de 309 ocorrências de tentativa de suicídio identificadas no período. A maioria era do sexo feminino 86 (76,1%), entre 18 e 30 anos 57 (50,4%), heterossexuais 103 (91,2%), cor de pele autodeclarada branca 62 (54,9%), solteiros 49 (43,4%), com ensino médio completo 41 (43,2%). sem patologia física 70 (61,9%), com transtorno mental 70 (61,9%), sem uso de drogas 74 (65,5%). Como fator de proteção, as relações familiares e o modelo familiar são caracterizados por apego familiar, com sentimentos de amor e respeito, e com apoio efetivo da família. Na outra ponta, como fator de risco as relações familiares negativas eclodem em brigas, violência familiar, sensação de não pertencimento e traição. Considerações finais: Família tem potencial de gerar impacto positivo quando apresenta apoio e apego sentimental entre seus membros, porém relações familiares desajustadas perfazem impacto negativo e se torna fator de risco para comportamento suicida.
A cultura do Carthamus tinctorius L.: Principais usos e variabilidade genética
Authors: Oliveira Altacis Junior de
Published: February 2021

O Carthamus tinctorius L. é uma das espécies mais antigas do mundo, é uma oleaginosa pertencente à família Asteraceae, cuja matéria-prima é destinada para diversos fins. A cultura tem atraído a atenção de pesquisadores e indústrias por possuir alta qualidade e quantidade de óleo, neste contexto o que torna importante a realização de estudos, principalmente no melhoramento genético, que auxilia na seleção de genótipos superiores. Diante disso, o presente trabalho objetivou-se desenvolver uma revisão de literatura sobre a cultura do cártamo, mostrando algumas informações sobre seu cultivo, principais usos e sobre a variabilidade genética da mesma. Através do estudo feito em artigos científicos, livros e periódicos pode-se familiarizar os leitores sobre a cultura do cártamo, pois ainda no Brasil é pouco estudada e informações principalmente sobre seu cultivo e produção ainda são escassas, mas alguns trabalhos apresentados mostra o potencial que o Brasil tem para o cultivo do cártamo, sendo necessários estudos de melhoramento genético para extrair o máximo potencial da espécie.
Use of the Safe System Assessment Framework as a Safety Key Performance Indicator
Authors: McHeim Brayden , Matters Ben , Steinmetz Lisa , Turner Blair
Published: February 2021

As part of the Northern and South-Eastern Suburban Roads Upgrade packages, Major Road Projects Victoria has sought to incorporate road safety metrics into the tender designs review process. The Australian Road Research Board adapted the Safe System Assessment Framework (Austroads 2016) to meet this need. Twelve road projects were assessed to provide baselines scores for the reference designs. The submitted tender designs will then be reassessed to provide an assessment of road safety in the designs. This work provided an extension in use of Safe System Assessment Framework as well as insight into current gaps in road safety design practice.
Are highway constructions associated with increased transport incidents? A case study of NSW Pacific Highway construction zones 2011-16
Authors: Sarrami Pooria , Lemin Patricia , Balogh Zsolt , Singh Hardeep , Assareh Hassan , Hall Benjamin , Lassen Christine , McDougall Debra , Dale Kate , Wullschleger Martin , Dinh Michael
Published: February 2021

Transport incidents are among the major causes of trauma and injury in Australia and worldwide. While improving infrastructure can decrease the rate of incidents, the required construction imposes challenges regarding simultaneous public use of the relevant road sections. This study focused on construction zones along the New South Wales (NSW) Pacific Highway. We aimed to investigate if the rate of people who had major trauma as a result of a transport incident in a construction zone was higher than the rate of people with similar incidents at other times. This was a retrospective study, conducted by screening the data of patients admitted to the trauma services, or who died due to traffic incidents on the NSW Pacific Highway 2011-2016. We identified 35 causalities who experienced a traffic incident within a construction zone, 19 of these incidents occurred during the construction dates and 16 before or after those dates. The rate of casualty in construction periods was 2.21 per 1000 days, which is significantly higher than the rate in non-construction periods (1.2 per 1000 days, p-value: 0.037). There was no significant difference between the age, injury severity score and mortality rate of casualties who had an incident during the construction dates and those who had an incident in non-construction periods. This study indicated that the rate of incidents increased at NSW Pacific Highway construction zones during construction periods. More investigation is needed to improve the safety of road users during highway road constructions.
Road Traffic Light in New Configuration
Authors: Kozin Yuriy
Published: February 2021

The three-color system containing signals of the same circular shape has been in existence for over a hundred years. Each traffic signal has been justifiably selected to have a special color light to correspond to human psychoemotional reaction (red – stop, yellow – caution, green – go) to a given color signal (British Standards, 2015) and to comply with the laws of physics (The Motivated Engineer, 2015) – Rayleigh’s scattering law (Banc SpaceTek, 2017).

The main downsides of the traditional road traffic light include the following:

• The uniform circular shape of light signals results in uncertainty and difficulties for road users with color blindness and visual impairments, resulting in the need for restrictions or bans on driving license issuance in some countries. This uncertainty becomes particularly acute in conditions of low visibility.

• According to the concept of harmony of form and color (Itten, 1961), a green light alone corresponds to the circular (spherical-like) shape of the signal. Red and amber lights harmoniously combine with other geometrical shapes.

• The uniform shape of light signals prevents the implementation of the original compact combined model of traffic lights. For example, during the day, colorblind people can tell which signal is which because there is a standard position assigned: top – bottom or right – left (Oliveira, Souza, Junior, Sales & Ferraz, 2015). This becomes problematic if the compact combined models of traffic lights are used.

Engineers and inventors have been trying to solve these problems by introducing random changes in the light signal shape and complicating the traffic light design. For a long time there have been different proposals about how to eliminate the demerits of the existing traffic lights: from arbitrary changes in the signal shape (Patterson, 1988) to transformation of traffic lights into a single-section display panel (Kulichenko, 2011) which replaces among others stationary road signs. However, technical solutions like these deprive the traffic light of its signal uniformity and conciseness (simplicity, clarity and precision of its controlling effect), features which help safe traffic regulation in a busy and dynamic mode.

Technical modernization of individual signal components has been going hand in hand with technological developments as light sources, diffusers, lenses, controllers, materials, control systems, timers, etc. are improved. However, adequate design and aesthetic proposals are considerably behind.

The aim of this paper is to propose a concept of creating control signals of traffic light that harmonize color and form, and, as a result, to create a new model of traffic light that will be convenient for all road users.
Diet, antioxidants and oxidative status in pygoscelid penguins
Authors: Colominas-Ciuró R , Bertellotti M , D’Amico VL , Carabajal E , Benzal J , Vidal V , Motas M , Santos M , Coria N , Barbosa A
Published: February 2021

Ecologically similar marine species inhabiting the same areas compete for food resources. Such competition is reduced by resource-partitioning strategies that may affect physiology. For instance, diet and feeding strategies may affect the antioxidant defences or the production of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidant defences. If such an imbalance favours the former, this can lead to oxidative damage, and oxidative stress increases. However, to our knowledge, how free-ranging animals adjust their oxidative status in relation to their foraging habitats, diet and dietary antioxidants has not yet been studied. Penguins are an interesting biological model for such a comparison because their diet, based on krill, fish and/or cephalopods, presents strong variation in dietary antioxidant content. We therefore examined trophic level (δ15N), foraging habitat (δ13C), dietary antioxidants (retinol, α-tocopherol and astaxanthin) and oxidative status (plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity and oxidative damage) in pygoscelid penguins (chinstrap Pygoscelis antarcticus, gentoo P. papua and Adélie P. adeliae) breeding in Antarctica. We found interspecific differences in all variables analysed except α-tocopherol. Gentoo penguins exploited more cephalopods and fish in coastal and benthic habitats, Adélies showed an intermediate position, whereas chinstraps foraged more on krill and fish in pelagic waters. Dietary antioxidant levels showed specific patterns resulting in relationships with prey items. However, we did not find any clear relationships between dietary antioxidants and species-specific antioxidant capacity, suggesting the importance of endogenously produced antioxidants. Oxidative status appeared to be differently related to foraging strategy and antioxidant capacity in each species.
High rates of herbivory in remote northwest Australian seagrass meadows by rabbitfish and green turtles
Authors: Vanderklift MA , Pillans RD , Hutton M , De Wever L , Kendrick GA , Zavala-Perez A , Vergés A , Garthwin R , Oades D , McCarthy P , George K , Sampi T , George D , Sampi C , Edgar Z , Dougal K , Howard A
Published: February 2021

Herbivory is a key ecological process that often determines the composition and abundance of plants. Estimates of herbivory in seagrass meadows are typically lower than those in other vegetated coastal ecosystems, but herbivory can be intense when large herbivorous vertebrates are abundant. We surveyed rates of herbivory on 2 species of tropical seagrasses (Thalassia hemprichii and Enhalus acoroides), the abundance of herbivorous vertebrates, and the diet of 2 abundant herbivorous vertebrates (the green turtle Chelonia mydas and the rabbitfish Siganus lineatus) in lagoons adjacent to remote islands off northwestern Australia. Rates of herbivory in some deployments of tethered seagrass were more than 1000 times higher than rates of production and were among the highest recorded. Consumption exceeded production in half the deployments (9 of 18). Remote underwater video revealed that S. lineatus was the most abundant herbivore. Stomachs of S. lineatus contained mostly seagrass, and models based on stable isotopes indicated that seagrass was the primary source of nutrition. Stomach contents of C. mydas were more variable, containing seagrass and macroalgae (although the sample size was low), but models based on stable isotopes indicated that seagrass was likely the primary source of nutrition. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the high rates of herbivory on the seagrasses T. hemprichii and E. acoroides are mainly due to direct consumption by the abundant S. lineatus, and perhaps also C. mydas. Seagrass is the primary contributor to the nutrition of both species.
Media use and behavioral disorders among Saudi Arabian children
Authors: Alghamdi Salmah , Bawageeh Duaa , Alkhaibari Hessa , Almutairi Amwaj , Aljuhani Shoug
Published: February 2021

Background: Despite children’s frequent use of electronic devices, there is a lack of evidence showing how such media use influences their behavior.
Objective: This study was to assess the relationship between media use and behavior among a sample of children aged three to 11 years.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. An electronic self-administered questionnaire was completed from January 2020 to March 2020 by a convenience sample of 234 parents with healthy children in the target age group. Descriptive statistics and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used for data analysis.
Results: There was no significant difference in children's behavior according to the type of media [F(3, 230) = 1.673, p = 0.174]. In contrast, there was a significant difference in children's behavior according to hours per day of media use [F(4, 229) = 2.701, p = 0.031]. The most commonly used mobile device was the smartphone (n = 87, 37.2%).  More than a quarter of the children spent three hours a day using media.
Conclusions: This study offers insight into associations between children’s frequent media use and their behavior. The results suggest that the significant factor associated with behavioral problems is not the type of media but the time spent using it. Nurses are encouraged to use these findings in developing educational programs that raise awareness among parents and children regarding the consequences of excessive media use.
Motinų vidinės darnos ir kūdikių motorinės raidos subjektyvaus vertinimo sąsajos
Authors: Sytnikova Viktorija , Radzevič Veslava , Budrienė Lina , Raistenskis Juozas , Dudonienė Vilma
Published: February 2021

Tyrimo pagrindimas. Depresijos simptomų turinčios moterys mažiau domisi kūdikio raida, todėl turi mažiau žinių, nemoka tinkamai įvertinti raidos etapų, ir tai gali turėti įtakos motinos požiūriui į kūdikį, jo poreikių supratimui bei tenkinimui. Prastas vidinės darnos jausmas yra siejamas su didesniu stresu ir yra vienas svarbiausių depresijos rizikos veiksnių. Todėl negalima atmesti galimybės, kad vidinės darnos jausmas, turėdamas stiprią įtaką motinų psichologinei sveikatai, gali turėti įtakos ir kūdikio raidai.

Tikslas –  nustatyti sąsajas tarp motinų vidinės darnos lygio, motinų darnos su kūdikiu ir kūdikių motorinės raidos subjektyvaus vertinimo.

Metodai. Apklausoje dalyvavo 41 motina. Buvo naudojami penki klausimynai: sociodemografinių klausimų anketa; ,,Vidinės darnos“ ir ,,Vidinės darnos su kūdikiu“  klausimynai, skirti įvertinti motinų vidinę darną, jos darną su kūdikiu; motinų kasdienio streso vertinimo,,Kasdienių rūpesčių skalė“; taip pat  buvo modifikuota į klausimyną Alberta kūdikių motorinės raidos skalė tuo tikslu, kad motinos galėtų pačios įvertinti savo kūdikio motorinį vystymąsi.

Rezultatai. Motinoms, patiriančioms stiprų stresą, vidinės darnos balų vidurkis (44,9 ± 7,89) buvo statistiškai reikšmingai žemesnis, lyginant su motinomis, kurios stipraus streso nepatiria (49,9 ± 4,61). Nustatytas stiprus koreliacinis ryšys tarp motinų vidinės darnos ir darnos su kūdikiu (r = 0,72;  p = 0,003). Motinų subjektyvus jų kūdikių motorinės raidos vertinimas nepriklausė nuo motinų vidinės darnos balo (r = 0,13; p > 0,05). Taip pat kūdikių motorinei raidai neturėjo įtakos motinų vidinė darna (r = 0,03; p > 0,05).

Išvada. Stiprios vidinės darnos motinos pasižymi ir stipria darna su kūdikiu. Subjektyvus kūdikių motorinės raidos vertinimas nepriklausė nuo motinų vidinės darnos lygio.

Raktažodžiai: vidinė darna, darna su kūdikiu, pogimdyvinė depresija, motorinė raida.
Plastic waste management, a concern for community
Authors: Gupta Piyush
Published: February 2021

Plastics i.e. polymers are long chains or networks of monomer molecules which can be fabricated in desired shape, colour and specifications. The multi-functionality of this macromolecule has made it an integral part of society. Due to being given immense importance in various industrial sectors, like information technology, electrical, as well as electronics industries, intelligent, smart and advanced packaging systems, agriculture, automobiles, biomedical applications, etc., they are quite indispensable for the modern generation. The huge demand and high frequency usage have alarmed a number of countries littered with plastic wastes which need to be attended immediately. The effects of plastic solid waste on environmental living and non-living components are noticeable in the ever-increasing level of plastic pollution both on land and in the oceans globally. This paper compiles the various aspects and prospects of disposal methods like landfilling, recycling, progress in recovery and management of plastic waste (i.e. primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary) in order to minimize its huge volumes. The depolymerisation process is the key technology behind its success which provides a high yield of product and a minimal amount of waste. Few innovative methods other than recycling published by different researchers are also discussed in this paper.
Always already post: subaltern epistemologies in cinema curation
Authors: Gonring Gabriel Menotti Miglio Pinto
Published: February 2021

The notion of “post-cinema” derives from a modern understanding of media that frames cinema as a homogenous, exclusive totality. This paper proposes an epistemic approach more sensible to cinema’s performative condition based on curatorial practices. It argues for curation as a form of enacted research distributed across the matrix of reproductive practices responsible for keeping the objective coherence of the medium. As such, curation would be able to access subaltern modes of knowledge and challenge the abyssal thinking prevailing within film and media studies.
Educational Model for Cadres and Housewives Against Changes in Family Knowledge and Behavior in Efforts to Prevent Complications of Type II DM in Bunut Wetan Village, Malang Regency
Authors: Lundy Fiashriel Lundy , Suryani Pudji , Akbar Prima Soultoni
Published: February 2021

The prevalence of DM has doubled every year. Therefore, preventive promotional efforts are needed to prevent complications. This study aims to determine the effect of educational models on changes in knowledge and behavior of families in efforts to prevent complications of diabetes mellitus. This research design is a quasi-experimental. The research was conducted in Bunut Wetan Malang. The population in this study were housewives. The sample of research was 45 housewives who were divided into 3 groups. Treatment group 1 was housewives who were given training by health workers, treatment group 2 were housewives who were given training from cadres, and group 3 was the control group. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The dependent variable is knowledge and coping mechanisms. The independent variable is the family education model. The collected data were analyzed using paired sample t-test. The results of this study indicate that there is an effective effect on treatment groups 1 and 2 with a significance of 0.000 (p
IC50 and Cell Viability of Combination of Ethanol Extract Moringa oleifera Leave (EEMo) and Ethanol Extract Carica papaya Leave (EECp) on Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nurkalbi Nuni Rismayanti , Arsyad Aryadi , Yustisia Ika , Djabir Yulia Y
Published: February 2021

This study aims to find out IC50 and Cell Viability of the combination of ethanol extract leaves of Moringa oleifera (EEMo) and ethanol extract leaves of Carica papaya (EECp) on the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells culture. It was conducted in a true experimental laboratory using post-test only control group design method. The study showed that the effect of extract combination for MCF-7 Cell by using series concentration like 0, 20, 40, 80 and 160 µg/mL for 48, 72, and 96 hours with a cell density of 5x103 after giving WST assay there is a decrease in the number of cell viability. Inhibition concentration of MCF-7 cell culture was also indicated by the IC50 value which was included in the very strong category with details of each extract combination with 1:1 comparison the IC50 value is 12.02 µg/mL.

Keywords: extract combination; IC50; cell viability, MCF-7
Development of Cadmium Multiple-Signal Biosensing and Bioadsorption Systems Based on Artificial Cad Operons
Authors: Guo Yan , Hui Chang-ye , Zhang Nai-xing , Liu Lisa , Li Hui , Zheng Hong-ju
Published: February 2021

The development of genetic engineering, especially synthetic biology, greatly contributes to the development of novel metal biosensors. The cad operon encoding cadmium resistance was previously characterized from Pseudomonas putida. In this study, single-, dual-, and triple-signal output Cd(II) biosensors were successfully developed using artificial translationally coupled cad operons. Sensitivity, selectivity, and response toward Cd(II) and Hg(II), of three biosensors were all determined. Reporter signals of three biosensors all increased within the range 0.1–3.125 μM Cd(II). Three biosensors responded strongly to Cd(II), and weakly to Hg(II). However, the detection ranges of Cd(II) and Hg(II) do not overlap in all three biosensors. Next, novel Cd(II) biosensing coupled with bioadsorptive artificial cad operons were assembled for the first time. Cd(II)-induced fluorescence emission, enzymatic indication, and Cd(II) binding protein surface display can be achieved simultaneously. This study provides an example of one way to realize multiple signal outputs and bioadsorption based on the redesigned heavy metal resistance operons, which may be a potential strategy for biodetection and removal of toxic metal in the environment, facilitating the study of the mechanism and dynamics of bioremediation.
Challenges Associated With the Formation of Recombinant Protein Inclusion Bodies in Escherichia coli and Strategies to Address Them for Industrial Applications
Authors: Bhatwa Arshpreet , Wang Weijun , Hassan Yousef I. , Abraham Nadine , Li Xiu-Zhen , Zhou Ting
Published: February 2021

Recombinant proteins are becoming increasingly important for industrial applications, whereEscherichia coliis the most widely used bacterial host for their production. However, the formation of inclusion bodies is a frequently encountered challenge for producing soluble and functional recombinant proteins. To overcome this hurdle, different strategies have been developed through adjusting growth conditions, engineering host strains ofE. coli, altering expression vectors, and modifying the proteins of interest. These approaches will be comprehensively highlighted with some of the new developments in this review. Additionally, the unique features of protein inclusion bodies, the mechanism and influencing factors of their formation, and their potential advantages will also be discussed.
Flow Dynamics and Mixing in Extracorporeal Support: A Study of the Return Cannula
Authors: Lemétayer Julien , Broman L. Mikael , Prahl Wittberg Lisa
Published: February 2021

Cannulation strategies in medical treatment such as in extracorporeal life support along with the associated cannula position, orientation and design, affects the mixing and the mechanical shear stress appearing in the flow field. This in turn influences platelet activation state and blood cell destruction. In this study, a co-flowing confined jet similar to a return cannula flow configuration found in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was investigated experimentally. Cannula diameters, flow rate ratios between the jet and the co-flow and cannula position were studied using Particle Image Velocimetry and Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence. The jet was turbulent for all but two cases, in which a transitional regime was observed. The mixing, governed by flow entrainment, shear layer induced vortices and a backflow along the vessel wall, was found to require 9–12 cannula diameters to reach a fully homogeneous mixture. This can be compared to the 22–30 cannula diameters needed to obtain a fully developed flow. Although not significantly affecting mixing characteristics, cannula position altered the development of the flow structures, and hence the shear stress characteristics.
High-Normal Serum Magnesium and Hypermagnesemia Are Associated With Increased 30-Day In-Hospital Mortality: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tan Liao , Xu Qian , Li Chan , Liu Jie , Shi Ruizheng
Published: February 2021

Background: Magnesium, the fourth most abundant mineral nutrient in our body, plays a critical role in regulating ion channels and energy generation, intracardiac conduction, and myocardial contraction. In this study, we assessed the association of admission serum magnesium level with all-cause in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods: Clinical data were extracted from the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD). Only the data for the first intensive care unit (ICU) admission of each patient were used, and baseline data were extracted within 24 h after ICU admission. Logistic regression, Cox regression, and subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between admission serum magnesium level and 30-day in-hospital mortality in ICU patients with AMI.

Results: A total of 9,005 eligible patients were included. In the logistic regression analysis, serum magnesium at 2.2 to ≤2.4 and >2.4 mg/dl levels were both significant predictors of all-cause in-hospital mortality in AMI patients. Moreover, serum magnesium of 2.2 to ≤2.4 mg/dl showed higher risk of in-hospital mortality than magnesium of >2.4 mg/dl (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63 vs. 1.39). The Cox regression analysis yielded similar results (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.36 vs. 1.25).

Conclusions: High-normal serum magnesium and hypermagnesemia may be useful and easier predictors for 30-day in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with AMI.
Immunological Features of Paranasal Sinus Mucosa in Patients with Graves’ Orbitopathy
Authors: Lu Yi , Wu Yu , Huang Yazhuo , Fang Sijie , Li Yinwei , Sun Jing , Zhou Huifang
Published: February 2021

Background

Previous studies showed that patients with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) had concomitant mucosal abnormality within the paranasal sinuses. It remains unknown whether the immunological reactions in sinus mucosa affect the orbit inflammation in GO.

Methods

Patients with GO underwent sinus computed tomography (CT) scans for sinus mucosal disease by two independent reviewers using the Lund-MacKay systems. Ethmoid mucosal samples were collected during orbital decompression surgeries for patients with GO and correction surgeries for patients with old orbital fractures as controls. Histological analysis and immunofluorescence were performed in all sinus mucosa tissues. Flow cytometry analysis was used to examine the immunological features of sinus mucosa in both GO and control groups.

Results

Immunohistochemistry showed that the paranasal sinus mucosa of patients with GO grew swelling, with goblet cell and small vessel proliferation, endothelial cell swelling, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The number of T helper (Th)1, Th17, and gamma-delta T cells in nasal sinus mucosa of patients with GO increased significantly compared with those from controls. Further, the proportion of Th1 cells was significantly correlated with clinical activity score. In addition, there was a decreased number of regulatory T cells in patients with GO. The number of Th2 cells showed no significant difference between the two groups. Finally, the proportion of interleukin-22-producing cell subsets in gamma-delta T cells of patients with GO was significantly increased compared with those from controls.

Conclusions

Our observations illustrated a potential pathogenic role of mucosal-infiltrating T cells, which may have the possibility to aggravate inflammatory responses in GO.
Benchmark Bird Surveys Help Quantify Counting Accuracy in a Citizen-Science Database
Authors: Robinson W. Douglas , Hallman Tyler A. , Hutchinson Rebecca A.
Published: February 2021

The growth of biodiversity data sets generated by citizen scientists continues to accelerate. The availability of such data has greatly expanded the scale of questions researchers can address. Yet, error, bias, and noise continue to be serious concerns for analysts, particularly when data being contributed to these giant online data sets are difficult to verify. Counts of birds contributed to eBird, the world’s largest biodiversity online database, present a potentially useful resource for tracking trends over time and space in species’ abundances. We quantified counting accuracy in a sample of 1,406 eBird checklists by comparing numbers contributed by birders (N= 246) who visited a popular birding location in Oregon, USA, with numbers generated by a professional ornithologist engaged in a long-term study creating benchmark (reference) measurements of daily bird counts. We focused on waterbirds, which are easily visible at this site. We evaluated potential predictors of count differences, including characteristics of contributed checklists, of each species, and of time of day and year. Count differences were biased toward undercounts, with more than 75% of counts being below the daily benchmark value. Median count discrepancies were −29.1% (range: 0 to −42.8%;N= 20 species). Model sets revealed an important influence of each species’ reference count, which varied seasonally as waterbird numbers fluctuated, and of percent of species known to be present each day that were included on each checklist. That is, checklists indicating a more thorough survey of the species richness at the site also had, on average, smaller count differences. However, even on checklists with the most thorough species lists, counts were biased low and exceptionally variable in their accuracy. To improve utility of such bird count data, we suggest three strategies to pursue in the future. (1) Assess additional options for analytically determining how to select checklists that include less biased count data, as well as exploring options for correcting bias during the analysis stage. (2) Add options for users to provide additional information that helps analysts choose checklists, such as an option for users to tag checklists where they focused on obtaining accurate counts. (3) Explore opportunities to effectively calibrate citizen-science bird count data by establishing a formalized network of marquis sites where dedicated observers regularly contribute carefully collected benchmark data.
Force and Boldness: Cumulative Assets of a Successful Crayfish Invader
Authors: Pârvulescu Lucian , Stoia Dan Ioan , Miok Kristian , Ion Mihaela Constanţa , Puha Adela Estera , Sterie Melania , Vereş Mihajel , Marcu Ioan , Muntean Mirela Danina , Aburel Oana Maria
Published: February 2021

Multiple causes can determine the disturbance of natural equilibrium in a population of a species, with a common one being the presence of invasive competitors. Invasives can drive native species to the resettlement of the trophic position, changing reproduction strategies or even daily normal behaviours. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that more effective anatomical features of an intruder (Faxonius limosus) come with increased boldness behaviour, contributing to their invasion success in competition against the native species (Pontastacus leptodactylus). We tested the boldness of specimens representing the two species by video-based assessment of crayfish individuals’ attempts to leave their settlement microenvironment. The experiment was followed by a series of measurements concerning chelae biometry, force and muscle energetics. The native species was less expressive in terms of boldness even if it had larger chelae and better muscular tissue performance. In contrast, because of better biomechanical construction of the chelae, the invasive species was capable of twice superior force achievements, which expectedly explained its bolder behaviour. These findings suggest that, in interspecific agonistic interactions, the behaviour strategy of the invasive crayfish species is based on sheer physical superiority, whereas the native crayfish relies on intimidation display.
Challenges and Clinical Strategies of CAR T-Cell Therapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Overview and Developments
Authors: Xu Xinjie , Huang Shengkang , Xiao Xinyi , Sun Qihang , Liang Xiaoqian , Chen Sifei , Zhao Zijing , Huo Zhaochang , Tu Sanfang , Li Yuhua
Published: February 2021

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy exhibits desirable and robust efficacy in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Stimulated by the revolutionized progress in the use of FDA-approved CD19 CAR T cells, novel agents with CAR designs and targets are being produced in pursuit of superior performance. However, on the path from bench to bedside, new challenges emerge. Accessibility is considered the initial barrier to the transformation of this patient-specific product into a commercially available product. To ensure infusion safety, profound comprehension of adverse events and proactive intervention are required. Additionally, resistance and relapse are the most critical and intractable issues in CAR T-cell therapy for ALL, thus precluding its further development. Understanding the limitations through up-to-date insights and characterizing multiple strategies will be critical to leverage CAR T-cell therapy flexibly for use in clinical situations. Herein, we provide an overview of the application of CAR T-cell therapy in ALL, emphasizing the main challenges and potential clinical strategies in an effort to promote a standardized set of treatment paradigms for ALL.
Advances in Modeling the Immune Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yoon Paul Sukwoo , Del Piccolo Nuala , Shirure Venktesh S. , Peng Yushuan , Kirane Amanda , Canter Robert J. , Fields Ryan C. , George Steven C. , Gholami Sepideh
Published: February 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. CRC frequently metastasizes to the liver and these patients have a particularly poor prognosis. The infiltration of immune cells into CRC tumors and liver metastases accurately predicts disease progression and patient survival. Despite the evident influence of immune cells in the CRC tumor microenvironment (TME), efforts to identify immunotherapies for CRC patients have been limited. Here, we argue that preclinical model systems that recapitulate key features of the tumor microenvironment—including tumor, stromal, and immune cells; the extracellular matrix; and the vasculature—are crucial for studies of immunity in the CRC TME and the utility of immunotherapies for CRC patients. We briefly review the discoveries, advantages, and disadvantages of current in vitro and in vivo model systems, including 2D cell culture models, 3D culture systems, murine models, and organ-on-a-chip technologies.
Effects of Rotifers Enriched With Different Enhancement Products on Larval Performance and Jaw Deformity of Golden Pompano Larvae Trachinotus ovatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Fu Zhengyi , Yang Rui , Zhou Shengjie , Ma Zhenhua , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2021

This study evaluated the effects of rotifers enriched with three enhancement products (Nannochloropsis, S.presso, and Algamac 3080) on the body fatty acid composition, growth, survival, jaw deformity, and bone development-related gene expression of the golden pompano larvae. The rotifers enriched with Nannochloropsis were rich in EPA, and the rotifers enriched with S.presso and Algamac 3080 were rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The level of DHA in Algamac 3080 is higher than that in S.presso. The first feeding started at 3 DPH, and data were collected at 8 DPH. The results showed that the body fatty acid composition of the larvae was basically the same as that of the feeding rotifers. The specific growth rate of S.presso and Algamac 3080 treatment was significantly higher than the un-enriched treatment (P < 0.05). The survival rate of Algamac 3080 treatment was significantly lower than the other treatments (P < 0.05), and the jaw deformity rate of S.presso treatment was significantly lower than the Nannochloropsis and un-enriched treatment (P < 0.05). The expression level of BMP2 and BMP4 in golden pompano larvae were not significantly affected by the enhancement products (P > 0.05), and the expression level of RXRα decreased significantly in the S.presso and Algamac 3080 treatment (P < 0.05). This study indicates that S.presso was an enhancement product more suitable for rotifers for golden pompano larvae. This study provided reliable reference and guidance for the first feeding of golden pompano larvae and also provided more reference data for the study of the mechanism of diet on larval fish bone deformity.
ICSI Does Not Improve Live Birth Rates but Yields Higher Cancellation Rates Than Conventional IVF in Unexplained Infertility
Authors: Song Jianyuan , Liao Tingting , Fu Kaiyou , Xu Jian
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Unexplained infertility has been one of the indications for utilization of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, whether ICSI should be preferred to IVF for patients with unexplained infertility remains an open question. This study aims to determine if ICSI improves the clinical outcomes over conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) in couples with unexplained infertility.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 549 IVF and 241 ICSI cycles for patients with unexplained infertility at a fertility center of a university hospital from January 2016 and December 2018. The live birth rate and clinical pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups. Other outcome measures included the implantation rate, miscarriage rate, and fertilization rate.

Results: The live birth rate was 35.2% (172/488) in the IVF group and 33.3% (65/195) in ICSI group, P = 0.635. The two groups also had similar clinical pregnancy rates, implantation rates, and miscarriage rates. The fertilization rate of IVF group was significantly higher than that of ICSI group (53.8 vs. 45.7%, P = 0.000, respectively). Sixty-one and 46 patients did not transfer fresh embryos in IVF and ICSI cycles, respectively. Patients with IVF cycles had lower cancellation rates than those with ICSI (11.1 vs. 19.1%, P = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion: ICSI does not improve live birth rates but yields higher cancellation rates than conventional IVF in the treatment of unexplained infertility.
Invasion and Dispersal of Biomphalaria Species: Increased Vigilance Needed to Prevent the Introduction and Spread of Schistosomiasis
Authors: Habib Mohamed R. , Lv Shan , Rollinson David , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: February 2021

Biological invasion is a matter of great concern from both public health and biodiversity perspectives. Some invasive snail species may trigger disease emergence by acting as intermediate hosts. The geographic distribution ofSchistosoma mansonidepends on the presence of susceptible species ofBiomphalariafreshwater snails that support the parasite's transformation into infective stages.Biomphalariaspp. have shown strong local and global dispersal capacities that may increase due to the global warming phenomenon and increases in the development of agricultural and water projects. Should intermediate hosts become established in new areas then this will create potential transmission foci. Examples of snail invasions that have had an impact on schistosomiasis transmission include the introduction ofBiomphalaria tenagophilato Congo andB. glabratato Egypt. The current spread ofB. stramineain China is causing concern and needs to be monitored closely. An understanding of the mode of invasion and distribution of these snails as well as their experimental susceptibility toS. mansoniwill predict the potential spread of schistosomiasis. Here we review the invasion patterns ofBiomphalariasnails and factors that control their distribution and the impact that invasion may have on intestinal schistosomiasis transmission. In addition, we propose some possible surveillance responses for optimum control strategies and interventions. Whenever possible, swift action should be taken to contain any new occurrence of these intermediate snail hosts.
Interleukin-31 Signaling Bridges the Gap Between Immune Cells, the Nervous System and Epithelial Tissues
Authors: Nemmer Jana Maria , Kuchner Marcus , Datsi Angeliki , Oláh Péter , Julia Valérie , Raap Ulrike , Homey Bernhard
Published: February 2021

Pruritus represents one of the most common symptoms in dermatology and general medicine. Chronic pruritus severely impairs the quality of life of affected patients. During the last two decades a number of modulators and mediator of pruritus have been identified. Recently, Interleukin (IL)-31 and its receptor complex attracted significant interest, as clinical phase two studies demonstrated therapeutic efficacy of the neutralizing IL-31 receptor A (IL-31RA) antibody nemolizumab in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis or prurigo nodularis. IL-31 has also been shown to play relevant roles in allergic contact dermatitis, urticaria, mastocytosis, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the novel cytokine IL-31 and its receptor regarding cellular origin, regulation, signaling pathways and their involvement in biological processes such as pruritus, neuronal growth, inflammation, barrier dysfunction and tissue remodeling.
Medical Device Sterilization and Reprocessing in the Era of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Bacteria: Issues and Regulatory Concepts
Authors: Josephs-Spaulding Jonathan , Singh Om V.
Published: February 2021

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria threatens humans in various health sectors, including medical devices. Since formal classifications for medical device sterilization and disinfection were established in the 1970's, microbial adaptation under adverse environmental conditions has evolved rapidly. MDR microbial biofilms that adhere to medical devices and recurrently infect patients pose a significant threat in hospitals. Therefore, it is essential to mitigate the risk associated with MDR outbreaks by establishing novel recommendations for medical device sterilization, in a world of MDR. MDR pathogens typically thrive on devices with flexible accessories, which are easily contaminated with biofilms due to previous patient use and faulty sterilization or reprocessing procedures. To prevent danger to immunocompromised individuals, there is a need to regulate the classification of reprocessed medical device sterilization. This article aims to assess the risks of improper sterilization of medical devices in the era of MDR when sterilization procedures for critical medical devices are not followed to standard. Further, we discuss key regulatory recommendations for consistent sterilization of critical medical devices in contrast to the risks of disinfection reusable medical devices.
Pseudogenes in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Qi Yanyan , Wang Xi , Li Wenbo , Chen Dongchang , Meng Hua , An Songtao
Published: February 2021

Cardiovascular disease is the main disease that affects human life span. In recent years, the disease has been increasingly addressed at the molecular levels, for example, pseudogenes are now known to be involved in the pathogenesis and development of cardiovascular diseases. Pseudogenes are non-coding homologs of protein-coding genes and were once called “junk gene.” Since they are highly homologous to their functional parental genes, it is somewhat difficult to distinguish them. With the development of sequencing technology and bioinformatics, pseudogenes have become readily identifiable. Recent studies indicate that pseudogenes are closely related to cardiovascular diseases. This review provides an overview of pseudogenes and their roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. This new knowledge adds to our understanding of cardiovascular disease at the molecular level and will help develop new biomarkers and therapeutic approaches designed to prevent and treat the disease.
Tele-Health Intervention for Carers of Dementia Patients—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhu Aiyong , Cao Wenting , Zhou Yinghua , Xie Anan , Cheng Yun , Chu Shu-Fen
Published: February 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the major mental health outcomes on dementia patient carers when using psychoeducational programs and psychotherapeutic interventions.

Methods: A meta-analysis was performed with randomized controlled trials of carers' tele-health interventions from the literature inception to December 31, 2019, using PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases for articles.

Results: The meta-analysis identified 1,043 results, of which 11 were randomized control trials. Among all 11 randomized control trials, only one study addressed face-to-face contact with online modules of interventions, four studies addressed telephone-based interventions, two studies reported on combined face-to-face contact and phone call interventions, two studies focused on web-based interventions, one study used video and telephone interventions, and one study conducted a computer-telephone integration system of intervention. The updated evidence suggested that there was more efficacy via tele-health interventions in lowering depression for carers of people with dementia. We outlined the delivery formation of intervention to evaluate the effectiveness and processes of major mental health improvements, including depression, burden, anxiety, and quality of life.

Conclusions: In this study, tele-health intervention was shown to significantly lower depression and also lower the risk of mental health impairment. Although there was a significant decrease of depression, there were no significant differences in burden, anxiety, and quality of life. Future researchers are encouraged to carry out larger-scale studies; also, further analysis using a standardized assessment tool is suggested for future multi-component tele-health interventions.