bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The what, why and when of adapting interventions for new contexts: A qualitative study of researchers, funders, journal editors and practitioners’ understandings
Authors: Copeland Lauren , Littlecott Hannah , Couturiaux Danielle , Hoddinott Pat , Segrott Jeremy , Murphy Simon , Moore Graham , Evans Rhiannon
Published: July 2021

Background

The adaptation of interventions for new contexts is a rapidly developing research area. To date there is no consensus-based guidance to support decision-making and recommend adaptation processes. The ADAPT study is developing such guidance. This aim of the qualitative component of the study was to explore stakeholders’ understandings of adaptation, as to date there has limited consideration of how different concepts and meanings shape decision-making and practice.

Methods

A case study research design was used. Participants/cases were purposefully sampled based on study outcome, study design, expertise, context and country. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of researchers (n = 23); representatives from research funding panels (n = 6); journal editors (n = 5) and practitioners (n = 3). Data were analysed using the Framework approach. Overarching themes were discussed with the ADAPT study team, with further iterative refinement of subthemes.

Results

The results generated four central themes. Four themes related to stakeholders’ understanding: 1) definitions of adaptation and related concepts; 2) rationales for undertaking adaptation; 3) the appropriate timing for adaptation; and 4) ensuring fidelity when implementing adapted interventions.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the lack of clarity around key concepts and uncertainty about central decision-making processes, notably why interventions should be adapted, when and to what extent. This has informed the ADAPT study’s guidance, shaping the scope and nature of recommendations to be included and surfacing key uncertainties that require future consideration.
A semi-analytical solution and AI-based reconstruction algorithms for magnetic particle tracking
Authors: Wu Huixuan , Du Pan , Kokate Rohan , Wang Jian-Xun
Published: July 2021

Magnetic particle tracking is a recently developed technology that can measure the translation and rotation of a particle in an opaque environment like a turbidity flow and fluidized-bed flow. The trajectory reconstruction usually relies on numerical optimization or filtering, which involve artificial parameters or thresholds. Existing analytical reconstruction algorithms have certain limitations and usually depend on the gradient of the magnetic field, which is not easy to measure accurately in many applications. This paper discusses a new semi-analytical solution and the related reconstruction algorithm. The new method can be used for an arbitrary sensor arrangement. To reduce the measurement uncertainty in practical applications, deep neural network (DNN)-based models are developed to denoise the reconstructed trajectory. Compared to traditional approaches such as wavelet-based filtering, the DNN-based denoisers are more accurate in the position reconstruction. However, they often over-smooth the velocity signal, and a hybrid method that combines the wavelet and DNN model provides a more accurate velocity reconstruction. All the DNN-based and wavelet methods perform well in the orientation reconstruction.
Perceived norms, personal agency, and postpartum family planning intentions among first-time mothers age 15–24 years in Kinshasa: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Gage Anastasia J. , Wood Francine E. , Akilimali Pierre Z.
Published: July 2021

Unintended pregnancy is an important global health problem and frequently occurs during the immediate postpartum period. However, few studies have examined postpartum family planning (PPFP) intentions among adolescent girls and young women. This study assessed whether perceived norms and personal agency predicted PPFP intentions among first-time mothers age 15–24 in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Data were derived from the 2018 Momentum Project baseline survey. Analysis was based on 2,418 nulliparous pregnant women age 15–24 who were approximately six months pregnant with their first child in six health zones of Kinshasa. Overall PPFP intentions were low and ten to thirteen percent of women stated they were very likely to discuss PPFP next month with (a) their husband/male partner and (b) a health worker, and to (c) obtain and (d) use a contraceptive method during the first six weeks following childbirth. The results of multivariable linear regression models indicated that the PPFP intention index was predicted by description norms, perceptions of the larger community’s approval of PPFP, normative expectations, perceived behavioral control, self-efficacy, and autonomy. Rejection of family planning myths and misconceptions was also a significant predictor. Interaction terms suggested that the association of normative expectations with PPFP intentions varied across ethnic groups and that the positive association of injunctive norms with PPFP intentions was significantly increased when the larger community was perceived to disapprove of PPFP use. Normative expectations and PPFP-related self-efficacy accounted for two-thirds of the variance in PPFP intentions. The results suggested that understanding different normative influences may be important to motivate women to use contraception in the immediate postpartum period. In addition to addressing institutional, individual, and social determinants of PPFP, programs should consider integrating norm-based and empowerment strategies.
Next-generation sequencing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in Moroccan prostate cancer patients with positive family history
Authors: Salmi Fatiha , Maachi Fatima , Tazzite Amal , Aboutaib Rachid , Fekkak Jamal , Azeddoug Houssine , Jouhadi Hassan
Published: July 2021

Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in Morocco. Although sporadic forms account for a large proportion of patients, familial forms of prostate cancer are observed in 20% of cases and about 5% are due to hereditary transmission. Indeed, germline mutations in BRCA1/2 genes have been associated with prostate cancer risk. However, the spectrum of these mutations was not investigated in Moroccan Prostate cancer patients. Thereby, the aim of this study was to characterize and to estimate the prevalence of germline BRCA1/2 mutations and large rearrangements in Moroccan patients with familial prostate cancer. The entire coding regions and intron/exon boundaries of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have been analyzed by next generation sequencing (NGS) in a total of 30 familial prostate cancer patients. Three pathogenic mutations were detected in four unrelated patients (13.3%). One BRCA1 mutation (c.1953_1956delGAAA) and two BRCA2 mutations (c.7234_7235insG and BRCA2ΔE12). In addition, sixty-three distinct polymorphisms and unclassified variants have been found. Early identification of germline BRCA1/2 mutations may be relevant for the management of Moroccan prostate cancer patients.
Transcriptome analysis of bread wheat leaves in response to salt stress
Authors: Amirbakhtiar Nazanin , Ismaili Ahmad , Ghaffari Mohammad-Reza , Mirdar Mansuri Raheleh , Sanjari Sepideh , Shobbar Zahra-Sadat
Published: July 2021

Salinity is one of the main abiotic stresses limiting crop productivity. In the current study, the transcriptome of wheat leaves in an Iranian salt-tolerant cultivar (Arg) was investigated in response to salinity stress to identify salinity stress-responsive genes and mechanisms. More than 114 million reads were generated from leaf tissues by the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. An amount of 81.9% to 85.7% of reads could be mapped to the wheat reference genome for different samples. The data analysis led to the identification of 98819 genes, including 26700 novel transcripts. A total of 4290 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were recognized, comprising 2346 up-regulated genes and 1944 down-regulated genes. Clustering of the DEGs utilizing Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) indicated that transcripts associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, transporters, transcription factors, hormone signal transduction, glycosyltransferases, exosome, and MAPK signaling might be involved in salt tolerance. The expression patterns of nine DEGs were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR in Arg and Moghan3 as the salt-tolerant and susceptible cultivars, respectively. The obtained results were consistent with changes in transcript abundance found by RNA-sequencing in the tolerant cultivar. The results presented here could be utilized for salt tolerance enhancement in wheat through genetic engineering or molecular breeding.
Estimating the gains of early detection of hypertension over the marginal patient
Authors: Rodríguez-Lesmes Paul
Published: July 2021

This study estimated the potential impact of early diagnosis programs on health outcomes in England. Specifically, if advising individuals to visit their family doctor due to a suspected case of mild hypertension would result in (i) an increase in the diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure; (ii) an improved lifestyle reflected in objective measures such as the body-mass-index and blood pressure levels; (iii) a reduced probability of the onset of other cardiovascular diseases, such as diabetes. To address potential selection bias in screening, a feature of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing is exploited, motivating a regression discontinuity design. If respondents’ blood pressure measurements are above a standard clinical threshold, they are advised to visit their family doctor to confirm hypertension. Two years after the protocol, there is evidence of an increase in diagnosis (5.7 pp, p-val = 0.06) and medication use (6 pp, p-val = 0.007) for treating the condition. However, four years after the protocol, the difference in diagnosis and medication disappeared (4 pp, p-val = 0.384; 3.4 pp, p-val = 0.261). Moreover, there are no differences on observed blood pressure levels (systolic 0.026 mmHg, p-val = 0.815; diastolic -0.336 mmHg, p-val = 0.765), or Body-Mass-Index ((0.771, p-val = 0.154)). There are also no differences on diagnosis of diabetes (1.7 pp, p-val = 0.343) or heart related conditions (3.6 pp, p-value = 0.161). In conclusion, the nudge produces an earlier diagnosis of around two years, but there are no perceivable gains in health outcomes after four years.
Short intense psychological stress induced by skydiving does not impair intestinal barrier function
Authors: Roca Rubio Maria Fernanda , Eriksson Ulrika , Brummer Robert J. , König Julia
Published: July 2021

Background and aim

Psychological stress has been shown to increase intestinal permeability and is associated with the development of gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed to investigate skydiving as an alternative model to analyse the effect of acute psychological stress on intestinal barrier function.

Materials and methods

Twenty healthy subjects participated in a tandem skydive followed by a negative control visit, of which 19 (9 females and 10 males, 25.9 ± 3.7 years) were included in the study. Intestinal permeability was assessed by a multi-sugar urinary recovery test. Sucrose recovery and lactulose/rhamnose ratio in 0-5h urine indicated gastroduodenal and small intestinal permeability, respectively, and sucralose/erythritol ratio in 5-24h urine indicated colonic permeability. Blood samples were taken to assess markers associated with barrier function. This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03644979) on August 23, 2018.

Results

Skydiving resulted in a significant increase in salivary cortisol levels directly after skydiving compared to the control visit. Cortisol levels were still increased two hours after landing, while cortisol levels before skydiving were not significantly different from the baseline at the control visit. Skydiving did not induce a significant increase in gastroduodenal, small intestinal or colonic permeability. There was also no significant increase in plasma intestinal and liver fatty acid-binding proteins, suggesting no damage to the enterocytes.

Discussion

These results show that the acute intense psychological stress induced by skydiving does not affect intestinal permeability in healthy subjects. Future models aiming to investigate the effect of stress on human intestinal barrier function should consider a more sustained exposure to the psychological stressor.
Contextual and individual factors associated with public dental services utilisation in Brazil: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Galvão Maria Helena Rodrigues , Medeiros Arthur de Almeida , Roncalli Angelo Giuseppe
Published: July 2021

Background

This study verified the association between contextual and individual factors and public dental services utilisation in Brazil.

Methods

The study was conducted based on a cross-sectional population-based household survey performed in Brazil (National Health Survey– 2019)). Data was collected between August 2019 and March 2020. Total sample included 43,167 individuals aged ≥15 years who had at least one dental appointment in the last 12 months before interview. Study outcome was ‘public dental service utilisation’, and Andersen’s behavioral model was adopted for selecting independent variables. A multilevel analysis was performed using individual factors as first level and federation units as second level.

Results

The highest prevalence of public dental service utilisation on an individual level was observed among unable to read or write people (PR: 3.31; p<0.001), indigenous (PR: 1.40; p<0.001), black or brown (PR: 1.16; p<0.001), with per capita household income of up to U$124 (PR: 2.40; p<0.001), living in the rural area (PR: 1.28; p<0.001), and who self-rated oral health as regular (PR: 1.15; p<0.001) or very bad/bad (PR: 1.26; p<0.001). On the contextual level, highest PR of public dental service utilisation was observed among those living in federal units with increased oral health coverage in primary health care.

Conclusions

Public dental service utilisation is associated with individual and contextual factors. These results can guide decision-making based on evidence from policymakers, demonstrating the potential for mitigating oral health inequalities and increasing service coverage in a public and universal health system.
The predictive skill of convolutional neural networks models for disease forecasting
Authors: Lee Kookjin , Ray Jaideep , Safta Cosmin
Published: July 2021

In this paper we investigate the utility of one-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN) models in epidemiological forecasting. Deep learning models, in particular variants of recurrent neural networks (RNNs) have been studied for ILI (Influenza-Like Illness) forecasting, and have achieved a higher forecasting skill compared to conventional models such as ARIMA. In this study, we adapt two neural networks that employ one-dimensional temporal convolutional layers as a primary building block—temporal convolutional networks and simple neural attentive meta-learners—for epidemiological forecasting. We then test them with influenza data from the US collected over 2010-2019. We find that epidemiological forecasting with CNNs is feasible, and their forecasting skill is comparable to, and at times, superior to, plain RNNs. Thus CNNs and RNNs bring the power of nonlinear transformations to purely data-driven epidemiological models, a capability that heretofore has been limited to more elaborate mechanistic/compartmental disease models.
Evaluation of serverless computing for scalable execution of a joint variant calling workflow
Authors: John Aji , Muenzen Kathleen , Ausmees Kristiina
Published: July 2021

Advances in whole-genome sequencing have greatly reduced the cost and time of obtaining raw genetic information, but the computational requirements of analysis remain a challenge. Serverless computing has emerged as an alternative to using dedicated compute resources, but its utility has not been widely evaluated for standardized genomic workflows. In this study, we define and execute a best-practice joint variant calling workflow using the SWEEP workflow management system. We present an analysis of performance and scalability, and discuss the utility of the serverless paradigm for executing workflows in the field of genomics research. The GATK best-practice short germline joint variant calling pipeline was implemented as a SWEEP workflow comprising 18 tasks. The workflow was executed on Illumina paired-end read samples from the European and African super populations of the 1000 Genomes project phase III. Cost and runtime increased linearly with increasing sample size, although runtime was driven primarily by a single task for larger problem sizes. Execution took a minimum of around 3 hours for 2 samples, up to nearly 13 hours for 62 samples, with costs ranging from $2 to $70.
Evaluation of mass spectrometry MS/MS spectra for the presence of isopeptide crosslinked peptides
Authors: Schopfer Lawrence M. , Onder Seda , Lockridge Oksana
Published: July 2021

Isopeptide crosslinked proteins can be the product of transglutaminase or of exposure to organophosphorus toxicants (OP). Transglutaminase links glutamine to lysine with loss of ammonia. OP toxicants induce a link between glutamic acid and lysine with loss of water. Our goal was to establish criteria to distinguish real from false isopeptide crosslinks reported by software searches of mass spectrometry data. We used fragmentation spectra of tryptic peptides from MAP-rich tubulin Sus scrofa as a test system for detection of naturally-occurring isopeptide crosslinks. Data were analyzed with Protein Prospector. Criteria for the assignments included the presence of at least 1 crosslink specific product ion, fragment ions from both peptides, Protein Prospector scores ≥20, and best fit of the MS/MS data to the crosslinked peptide as opposed to a linear peptide. Out of 301,364 spectra, 15 potential transglutaminase-type crosslinked peptide candidates were identified. Manual evaluation of these MS/MS spectra reduced the number to 1 valid crosslink between Q112 of NFH and K368 of Tau. Immunopurification with anti-isopeptide 81D1C2 confirmed that MAP-rich tubulin contained only one isopeptide. Support for this isopeptide bond was obtained by showing that transglutaminase was capable of incorporating dansyl-aminohexyl -QQIV into K368. A model of the KIETHK-QLEAHNR isopeptide was synthesized with the aid of transglutaminase. MS/MS spectra of the model validated our interpretation of the native isopeptide. An OP-induced isopeptide bond between K163 of tubulin alpha-1A and E158 of tubulin beta-4B was induced by treating MAP-rich tubulin with 100 μM chlorpyrifos oxon. This crosslink was supported by the criteria described above and by the presence of diethoxyphospho-lysine 163 in the tubulin alpha-1A peptide. The information obtained in this work is valuable for future studies that aim to understand why exposure to OP is associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative disease.
Seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus in Northern Serbia (Vojvodina): A four consecutive sentinel population-based survey study
Authors: Ristić Mioljub , Milosavljević Biljana , Vapa Slobodanka , Marković Miloš , Petrović Vladimir
Published: July 2021

Background

Monitoring changes of seroprevalence over time is important at the beginning and during of COVID-19 outbreak to anticipate its dynamics and plan an adequate public health response.

Methods

We conducted a repeated cross-sectional investigation among asymptomatic outpatient subjects and covered 0.1% of total population of Northern Serbia (Autonomous Province of Vojvodina). Each participant was tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using an immunochromatographic qualitative test (point-of-care rapid test). In the last round of survey IgG antibodies targeting the S1 subunit of the spike protein and the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus were assessed.

Results

During the four rounds of survey (between the end of April and the end of September), anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositivities based on immunochromatographic test results were 2.60% (95% CI 1.80–3.63), 3.93% (95% CI 2.85–5.28), 6.11% (95% CI 4.72–7.77) and 14.60% (95% 12.51–16.89), respectively. After adjusting with results obtained from the Line immunoassay test, the estimated overall seroprevalence increased to 16.67% (95% CI 14.45–19.08) corresponding to 322,033 infections in total by the end of September 2020 in Vojvodina’s population. Throughout the course of the study, for every RT-PCR confirmed case of COVID-19, there were 39–87 additional infections in Vojvodina. No significant difference (p>0.05) in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity regarding gender and between age subgroups was observed over the course of the survey.

Conclusions

The population prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies implies much more widespread infection in Vojvodina than indicated by the number of confirmed cases. However, our results suggest that the population of Vojvodina has not reached a desirable level of protection from SARS-CoV-2 virus by the end of September 2020.
High particulate matter burden by cigarillos: A laser spectrometric analysis of second-hand smoke of common brands with and without filter
Authors: Braun Markus , Dehm Maike , Klingelhöfer Doris , Groneberg David A.
Published: July 2021

Although the global tobacco market of cigarillos is substantial, little is known about their particulate matter (PM) emissions. For exposure risk assessment of cigarillos, the PM fractions PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 of eight cigarillo brands (four with filters) and a reference cigarette were measured. For this purpose, second-hand smoke was generated by an automatic smoke pump in a measuring chamber with a volume of 2.88 m³. The mean particle concentrations of the cigarillos ranged from 2783 μg/m³ to 6686 μg/m³ for PM10, from 2767 μg/m³ to 6585 μg/m³ for PM2.5, and from 2441 to 4680 μg/m³ for PM1. Mean concentrations of the reference cigarette for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were 4400 μg/m³, 4335 μg/m³, and 3289 μg/m³, respectively. Filter-tipped cigarillos showed between 5% and 38% lower PM10 and PM2.5 levels, respectively, and between 4% and 30% lower PM1 levels. Our findings show generally high PM emissions for all investigated tobacco products. Therefore, the declaration of PM amounts to government authorities should be mandatory for all tobacco products. Policymakers should ensure that corresponding information will be provided in the future.
ARHGEF26 enhances Salmonella invasion and inflammation in cells and mice
Authors: Bourgeois Jeffrey S. , Wang Liuyang , Rabino Agustin F. , Everitt Jeffrey , Alvarez Monica I. , Awadia Sahezeel , Wittchen Erika S. , Garcia-Mata Rafael , Ko Dennis C.
Published: July 2021

Salmonellahijack host machinery in order to invade cells and establish infection. While considerable work has described the role of host proteins in invasion, much less is known regarding how natural variation in these invasion-associated host proteins affectsSalmonellapathogenesis. Here we leveraged a candidate cellular GWAS screen to identify natural genetic variation in theARHGEF26(Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor 26) gene that renders lymphoblastoid cells susceptible toSalmonellaTyphi and Typhimurium invasion. Experimental follow-up redefined ARHGEF26’s role inSalmonellaepithelial cell infection. Specifically, we identified complex serovar-by-host interactions whereby ARHGEF26 stimulation ofS. Typhi andS. Typhimurium invasion into host cells varied in magnitude and effector-dependence based on host cell type. While ARHGEF26 regulated SopB- and SopE-mediatedS. Typhi (but notS. Typhimurium) infection of HeLa cells, the largest effect of ARHGEF26 was observed withS. Typhimurium in polarized MDCK cells through a SopB- and SopE2-independent mechanism. In both cell types, knockdown of the ARHGEF26-associated protein DLG1 resulted in a similar phenotype and serovar specificity. Importantly, we show that ARHGEF26 plays a critical role inS. Typhimurium pathogenesis by contributing to bacterial burden in the enteric fever murine model, as well as inflammation in the colitis infection model. In the enteric fever model, SopB and SopE2 are required for the effects ofArhgef26deletion on bacterial burden, and the impact ofsopBandsopE2deletion in turn required ARHGEF26. In contrast, SopB and SopE2 were not required for the impacts ofArhgef26deletion on colitis. A role for ARHGEF26 on inflammation was also seen in cells, as knockdown reduced IL-8 production in HeLa cells. Together, these data reveal pleiotropic roles for ARHGEF26 during infection and highlight that many of the interactions that occur during infection that are thought to be well understood likely have underappreciated complexity.
El aprendizaje autorregulado como marco teórico para la aplicación educativa de las comunidades virtuales y los entornos personales de aprendizaje
Authors: Cabero Almenara Julio
Published: July 2021

Las “Comunidades Virtuales” (CV) y los “Entornos Personales de Aprendizaje” (PLE, Personal Learning Environments), productos de la web 2.0, la computación en nubes y los “social media”, están impactando en el terreno educativo y están llevando a los estudiantes a desempeñar un papel más activo en el proceso de aprendizaje, y a integrar en su formación no solo los contextos formales, sino también los informales y no formales. Ahora bien, debemos ser conscientes que el control del alumno sobre la tecnología, no implica su control sobre su proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje y experiencia de aprendizaje. Y para tal control, la autorregulación del aprendizaje por el estudiante en la CV y PLE les puede servir para pasar de su percepción como herramientas tecnológicas, a su utilización como herramientas pedagógicas, y a su utilización en el proceso de aprendizaje, en una acción planificada y organizada, y dirigida hacia metas específicas. Y para ello la autorregulación del aprendizaje, es decir, la aplicación de estrategias de aprendizaje, su autoevaluación, y adoptar medidas correctivas en las CV y en los PLE, llevará al estudiante a adoptar una posición más activa, participativa y crítica en las mismas, lo que repercutirá en la creación de entornos mediados para la significación del aprendizaje.
La pedagogía líquida: ¿imaginario pedagógico o Teoría de la Educación?
Authors: Laudo Castillo Xavier
Published: July 2021

Se presenta en este texto un problema específico dentro de una investigación más amplia sobre la pedagogía líquida considerada como un elemento característico de la postmodernidad. Se expone el significado de la metáfora líquida aplicada a la pedagogía y se discuten dos posibilidades de uso del significante «pedagogía líquida»: a) como imaginario pedagógico y b) como teoría de la educación. Se discute entender la pedagogía líquida como una teoría que nos sirva para articular una cierta idea de qué es y qué debe ser la educación. Se describen dos variantes posibles de la pedagogía líquida: a) con métodos sólidos para transmitir la tradición b) con métodos líquidos para dar lugar a posibilidades de lo nuevo. Dado que el imaginario pedagógico es el marco general de cualquier teoría de la educación –líquida o sólida–, se plantea usar la expresión imaginario pedagógico postmoderno dentro del cual se situaría la pedagogía líquida como una teoría de la educación donde lo esencial es que no está claro ni «lo que va a» ni «lo que tiene que» suceder como resultado de la acción educativa.
El quehacer docente y la educación en valores
Authors: Ochoa Cervantes Azucena , Peiró I Gregori Salvador
Published: July 2021

Nuestro contexto social padece profundas deficiencias que tienen que relacionarse con lo ético. La educación se considera como una herramienta básica para superar estas deficiencias. Partiendo de lo anterior, se realizó una investigación con cincuenta docentes de nivel primaria de la ciudad de Querétaro (México) para conocer si realizaban actividades de educación en valores, el propósito que perseguían con éstas, los temas que trabajaban al respecto y las situaciones de evaluación generadas para tal fin. Los resultados muestran que los docentes dicen trabajar actividades de educación en valores; sin embargo, se observa cierta incongruencia entre el propósito que dicen perseguir y las actividades que realizan para lograrlo. Lo anterior implica que el hecho de implementar cambios curriculares no necesariamente impacta en la construcción de nuevas prácticas para mejorar los procesos educacionales. Consideramos que los resultados de este trabajo pueden ser de utilidad para los encargados de la gestión educativa pues es necesario que se realicen acciones de formación en el profesorado que contemplen no sólo la formación conceptual sino también  la personal y valoral. Esto debería considerarse como parte del desarrollo profesional y deontológico docente.
Seven new species and seven new records of Begonia L. (Begoniaceae) in the flora of Laos
Authors: Souvannakhoummane Keooudone , Lanorsavanh Soulivanh , Averyanov Leonid V.
Published: July 2021

New species of Begonia L. in the flora of Laos presented in this paper were mainly found in the course of botanical surveys made in Hin Nam No National Protected Area, Nam Phouy National Protected Area, Khammouane Karst Forest, and Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area.Additionally, herbaria presently available in Laos (HNL, FOF, NUoL, FRC), living plants, and alcohol preserved material at Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden and the data accessible online at BM, E, K, LE, NY, P, and PE Herbaria were critically studied. The study conducted during 2012–2019 reveals seven new species for science and seven species newly recorded for the flora of Lao PDR. Species described as new for science are: B. glabritepala (found in Khammouane Province; it is most close to B. pierrei but differs in glabrous outer tepals of staminate flowers, pistillate flowers, capsules, petioles, peduncles and pedicles), B. heterocantha (found in Sainyabuli Province; most close to B. depingiana but differs in reddish purple, glandular pubescent abaxial leaf surface, glandular pubescent pedicel, and outer tepals of pistillate flowers sparsely white glandular pubescent), B. lanxangensis (found in Vientiane Province; most close to B. paleacea but differs in elongate tubers, ovate-lanceolate, obscurely asymmetrical to symmetrical leaves, and glabrous pedicels), B. parviglandulosa (found in Vientiane Province; most close to B. martabanica but differs in smaller habit, reniform-cordate leaves and glandular indumentum on peduncle, pedicle and capsules), B. pseudobrandisiana (found in Khammouane Province; most close to B. brandisiana but differs in pistillate flowers with five elliptic-oblanceolate tepals), B. tripartifolia (found in Khammouane Province; most close to B. tricuspidata but differs in leaves palmate triangular-ovate, with deeply lobed lacerate margin, pistillate flower of five tepals, and ovary with unequal wing), and B. viriditenebris (found in Khammouane Province; most close to B. sinuata but differs in single leaf, indumentum of bristle hairs and reddish or bronzy green adaxial leaf surface, and three styles). The following species discovered and recorded for the flora of Laos at first are: B. hatacoa (known in Nepal, Bhutan, NE India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam), B. hemsleyana (China, Vietnam), B. labordei (NE India, Myanmar, S China, Vietnam), B. longifolia (tropical zone from NE India to Indonesia), B. minuscula (Vietnam), B. parvula (S China), and B. subperfoliata (Myanmar, Thailand, S Vietnam). Descriptions and line drawings are provided for all newly described species. Photographic illustrations, data on phenology, habitat, and notes on morphological variations and relations are given for all studied species.
Fruit micromorphology of Siberian Apiaceae and its value for taxonomy of the family
Authors: Ostroumova Tatyana A.
Published: July 2021

Using a scanning electron microscope, the fruit micromorphology of the family Apiaceae of Siberia was studied. In total, the study covered 97 species of wild, adventive, and the most important cultivated plants. Within one fruit, micromorphology is heterogeneous; the most informative is the surface of the grooves and the rib bases. Exocarp cells are described (relative position, shape, size, nature of the boundaries between cells, outer walls, and fine relief of the cell wall). Characters most consistent within the species, for example, outgrowths on cell surface and a thin relief of cell wall, are noted. The characteristics of the ridges of the ribs, stomata (their presence, position on the surface of the fruit, and cuticle on the cells adjacent to the stomata), and epicuticular wax are also given. 25 species have hairs, scales, spines or warts on the surface; the shape of these structures and their fine relief are described. The importance of micromorphology for species identification and taxonomy is shown. The wide distribution of parallel variability in the family is noted.
A NEW GRIP STRENGTH MEASURING DEVICE FOR DETAILED EVALUATION OF MUSCLE CONTRACTION AMONG THE ELDERLY
Authors: MATSUI Y. , FUJITA R. , HARADA A. , SAKURAI T. , NEMOTO T. , NODA N. , TOBA K.
Published: July 2021

Background:We developed a new grip strength measuring device, which considers the time axis, forevaluating muscle contraction in detail in elderly people. Objectives:To present the novel device and preliminaryresults concerning agility in gripping. Design:Cross-sectional analysis. Participants:One hundred and twenty-one older persons (48 men and 73 women, mean age 74.4 years) referring for memory disorders to the outpatientclinic of our institute. Measurements:A novel device taking advantage of an industrial force-gauge wasdeveloped for measuring gripping performance. The instrument graphically described participants’ strengthproduction. Nine indices were derived from four points identified by the graph: 1) starting point (“Go signal”), 2)time when gripping starts, 3) turning point (TP) when the inclination of the curve depicting strength productionchanges, and 4) peak of strength production. Results obtained from the study sample of older persons werecompared (as ratios) to a control group of 30 healthy young adults in their thirties in order to calculate age-relateddecline rates. Differences between right and left side were compared. Results:A significant difference wasobserved between right and left hands concerning the time to reach peak of strength, and time from TP tostrength peak in both men and women. For women, the following indices were also significantly different: timeto reach TP, strength at TP, time from TP to strength peak, curve inclination from TP to strength peak, and ratioof TP strength divided by peak strength. Conclusion:Declines in several indices of gripping agility weremeasured. The parameters which were more closely related to time than strength itself showed significantdifferences between right and left hands, especially in women.
Aspectos físicos y sociales del ambiente alimentario del hogar relacionados con el consumo de frutas y verduras en niños escolares: Un estudio transversal
Authors: Varela Arévalo Maria Teresa , Méndez Paz Fabián
Published: July 2021

Introducción: el propósito del estudio fue describir el consumo de frutas y verduras de niños escolarizados de Cali, Colombia y explorar la asociación entre el consumo poco frecuente del consumo de frutas y verduras y algunos aspectos físicos y sociales del ambiente alimentario de su hogar.Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional con diseño transversal analítico en el que participaron 560 parejas conformadas por niños de 8 a 12 años y uno de sus padres, los cuales fueron invitados a participar en cuatro colegios de diferentes niveles socioeconómicos. La información sobre el consumo de frutas y verduras fue recogida usando un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo validado previamente el cual permitió clasificar el consumo en poco o frecuente. Los padres reportaron información sociodemográfica y de los aspectos físicos y sociales del ambiente alimentario del hogar a través de cuestionarios de autorreporte validados previamente. Se analizó la asociación entre el consumo poco frecuente de frutas y verduras y el aspectos físicos y sociales del ambiente alimentario del hogar usando una regresión logística. Resultados: el consumo diario de frutas en los niños fue moderado y el consumo de verduras fue bajo, estando asociado el consumo poco frecuente con aspectos sociales del hogar como las prácticas parentales y los hábitos de los padres, y con aspectos físicos como la disponibilidad de alimentos en el hogar y cerca de éste, con diferencias significativas por nivel socioeconómico. Conclusiones: son necesarias políticas aumente el consumo de frutas y verduras el estudio aporta evidencia sobre la necesidad de enfocar las intervenciones de promoción de alimentación saludable y prevención de la obesidad infantil en los ambientes alimentarios de los hogares, en los que los padres tienen un rol fundamental.
Cambios en el estado nutricional, composición corporal y sintomatología asociada en pacientes hospitalizados sometidos a trasplante de médula ósea: estudio longitudinal prospectivo
Authors: Cabañas Alite Luis , Soriano del Castillo José Miguel , Merino-Torres Juan Francisco , Catalá-Gregori Ana Isabel , Sanz Caballer Jaime , Piñana José Luis
Published: July 2021

Introducción: Los pacientes sometidos a Trasplante de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas o trasplante de médula padecen varias complicaciones nutricionales. El objetivo del estudio fue realizar una descripción prospectiva en estos pacientes.Material y métodos: Se reclutaron 14 pacientes con una edad media de 48,0±9,8 años. Resultados: El 28,6% padecía sobrepeso, el 14,3% obesidad y el 57,1% tenía un peso normal, con una evoluciónentre -0,3±0,3 kg/m2 (normopeso) hasta -3,1±0,2 kg/m2 (obesidad). Se observó una pérdida de peso variable, de hasta 7,3±0,7% en pacientes con mayor Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC). La composición corporal también empeoró al alta, con una evolución de la circunferencia braquial de -1,7±0,4 cm en trasplantes alogénicos y -2±4,5 cm en trasplantes autólogos. Un 42,9% de hombres y 28,6% de mujeres eran dados de alta con un Índice de Masa Libre de Grasa (IMLG) por debajo de las recomendaciones, incrementándose desde el ingreso en hombres (desde un 14,3%). Se observa una pérdida de fuerza muscular, en trasplantes alogénicos de -5,0±1,5 kg en el caso de hombres, y -3,0±0,5 kg en mujeres; en autólogos, de -5 kg y -4 kg respectivamente. Sobre síntomas, al inicio existía una alta prevalencia de vómitos (71,4%), náuseas (42,9%) o saciedad temprana (57,1%); durante la hospitalización, destaca la saciedad temprana (92,9%), náuseas (71,4%), vómitos (71,4%), disgeusia (57,1%), diarrea (50%) y anorexia (50%). Conclusiones: Los pacientes admitidos para trasplante de médula ósea están aparentemente bien nutridos, y existe un deterioro durante la hospitalización; parece adecuado implementar estrategias dietéticas durante la hospitalización para optimizar la ingesta y prevenir la malnutrición.
Conductas Alimentarias de Riesgo y su asociación con el exceso de peso en adolescentes del Istmo de Tehuantepec, Oaxaca: un estudio transversal
Authors: Ramírez Díaz María del Pilar , Luna Hernández Jorge Fernando , Velázquez Ramírez Doireyner Daniel
Published: July 2021

Introducción: Las Conductas Alimentarias de Riesgo (CAR) son manifestaciones similares a los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, sin embargo,se presentan con menor frecuencia e intensidad y generalmente se desarrollan durante la adolescencia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de CARpor sexo y su asociación con el exceso de pesoen estudiantes de secundaria de la región del Istmo de Tehuantepec del Estado de Oaxaca, México.Material y métodos: Diseño observacional de tipo transversal analítico. Un total de 268 adolescentes entre 12 y 15 años fueron incluidos. Se utilizó el Cuestionario Breve de Conductas Alimentarias de Riesgo (CBCAR) para determinar la prevalencia de CAR. Se identificó el exceso de peso considerando las referencias establecidas por la OMS de los puntajes z del índice de masa corporal para la edad (IMC/E) por sexo. Las variables cualitativas se analizaron mediante χ2. El análisis de asociación se realizó mediante regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta obteniendo razones de prevalencia en el paquete estadístico STATA v. 14.Resultados: El 8,6 % de los adolescentes presentó un alto riesgo de CAR, siendo más prevalente en mujeres sin mostrar diferencias estadísticamente significativas. La preocupación por engordar fue mayor en mujeres (p<0,001) en comparación con los hombres. El sobrepeso y la obesidad se asociaron significativamente con la presencia de CAR; (RP= 1,55; IC 95% 1,03-2,32) y (RP= 2,79; IC 95% 1,75-4,44) respectivamente.Conclusiones: La prevalencia de alto riesgo de CAR en la población de estudio fue mayor a lo reportado con anterioridad, siendo más prevalente en mujeres. Además, el IMC elevado se asoció significativamente con la presencia de CAR, por lo tanto, es importante generar intervenciones para el control de peso que incluyan aspectos biopsicosociales para prevenir conductas de riesgo entre los adolescentes.
Antipalindromic numbers
Authors: Dvořáková Ľubomíra , Kruml Stanislav , Ryzák David
Published: July 2021

Everybody has certainly heard about palindromes: words that stay the same when read backwards. For instance, kayak, radar, or rotor. Mathematicians are interested in palindromic numbers: positive integers whose expansion in a certain integer base is a palindrome. The following problems are studied: palindromic primes, palindromic squares and higher powers, multi-base palindromic numbers, etc. In this paper, we define and study antipalindromic numbers: positive integers whose expansion in a certain integer base is an antipalindrome. We present new results concerning divisibility and antipalindromic primes, antipalindromic squares and higher powers, and multi-base antipalindromic numbers. We provide a user-friendly application for all studied questions.
Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults: a rapid review
Authors: Atchessi Nicole , Edjoc Rojiemiahd , Striha Megan , Waddell Lisa , Bresee Natalie , Dawson Thomas
Published: July 2021

Multisystem inflammatory disease in children (MIS-C) is one of the severe presentations of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has been described in the literature since the beginning of the pandemic. Although MIS-C refers to children, cases with similar clinical characteristics have been recently described in adults. A description of the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of multisystem inflammatory disease in adults (MIS-A) is a starting point for better knowledge and understanding of this emerging disease. We identified nine case reports of MIS-A in the literature, five from the United States, two from France and two from the United Kingdom. The case descriptions revealed similarities in clinical features, including occurrence during post-acute disease phase, fever, digestive symptoms, cardiac involvement and elevated inflammatory markers. All the patients were hospitalized, three required admission to the intensive care unit and one died. The most common treatments were intravenous immunoglobulin, prednisolone and aspirin. These findings suggest that MIS-A is a severe complication of COVID-19 disease that can lead to death. Further studies to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of MIS-A, which will help improve treatment decisions and prevent sequelae or death.
Existence and uniqueness of periodic orbits in a discrete model on Wolbachia infection frequency
Authors: Zheng Bo , Yu Jianshe
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we study a discrete model on Wolbachia infection frequency. Assume that a periodic and impulsive release strategy is implemented, where infected males are released during the first N generations with the release ratio α, and the release is terminated from (N + 1)-th generation to T-th generation. We find a release ratio threshold denoted by α
*(N, T), and prove the existence of a T-periodic solution for the model when α ∈ (0, α
*(N, T)). For the special case when N = 1 and T = 2, we prove that the model has a unique T-periodic solution which is unstable when α ∈ (0, α
*(N, T)). While α ≥ α
*(N, T), no periodic phenomenon occurs and the Wolbachia fixation equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. Numerical simulations are also provided to illustrate our theoretical results. One main contribution of this work is to offer a new method to determine the exact number of periodic orbits to discrete models.
On the existence of multiple solutions for a partial discrete Dirichlet boundary value problem with mean curvature operator
Authors: Du Sijia , Zhou Zhan
Published: July 2021

Apartial discrete Dirichlet boundary value problem involving mean curvature operator is concerned in this paper. Under proper assumptions on the nonlinear term, we obtain some feasible conditions on the existence of multiple solutions by the method of critical point theory. We further separately determine open intervals of the parameter to attain at least two positive solutions and an unbounded sequence of positive solutions with the help of the maximum principle.
Phosphorylation of Pit-1 by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 at serine 126 is associated with cell proliferation and poor prognosis in prolactinomas
Authors: Xie Weiyan , Fang Qiuyue , Guo Jing , Gong Lei , Li Chuzhong , Zhang Yazhuo
Published: July 2021

Pit-1 (POU1F1) is a POU-homeodomain transcription factor, and it is one of the most important tissue-specific transcription factors in pituitary development. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is a protein kinase that can phosphorylate many key transcription factors, but the mechanism under which CDK5 phosphorylates Pit-1 is unclear. To investigate whether CDK5 can regulate cell proliferation and promote hormone secretion through phosphorylation of Ser126-Pit-1 in prolactinomas, we generated an antibody that specifically recognizes phosphorylated serine at position 126 of Pit-1 (Ser126-Pit-1). We used western blotting to detect the level of Pit-1 phosphorylation and observed the proliferation and apoptosis of GH3 cells with different levels of Pit-1 phosphorylation by clone formation experiments, cell viability assays, and flow cytometry. ELISA was used to measure the level of PRL in the supernatant of GH3 cells. Tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the expression of the phosphorylation level of Ser126-Pit-1 (pSer126-Pit-1) in prolactinomas. Our data indicated that Ser126-Pit-1 is specifically phosphorylated by CDK5 and high-level pSer-126-Pit-1 can promote cell proliferation and PRL secretion. In addition, a higher level of pSer-126-Pit-1 correlates with a worse prognosis in patients with prolactinoma. Our results show that CDK5 mediated Ser126-Pit-1 phosphorylation and regulated prolactinoma progression and PRL secretion.
A comparative study of keyword extraction algorithms for English texts
Authors: Li Jinye
Published: July 2021

This study mainly analyzed the keyword extraction of English text. First, two commonly used algorithms, the term frequency–inverse document frequency (TF–IDF) algorithm and the keyphrase extraction algorithm (KEA), were introduced. Then, an improved TF–IDF algorithm was designed, which improved the calculation of word frequency, and it was combined with the position weight to improve the performance of keyword extraction. Finally, 100 English literature was selected from the British Academic Written English Corpus for the analysis experiment. The results showed that the improved TF–IDF algorithm had the shortest running time and took only 4.93 s in processing 100 texts; the precision of the algorithms decreased with the increase of the number of extracted keywords. The comparison between the two algorithms demonstrated that the improved TF–IDF algorithm had the best performance, with a precision rate of 71.2%, a recall rate of 52.98%, and an F
1 score of 60.75%, when five keywords were extracted from each article. The experimental results show that the improved TF–IDF algorithm is effective in extracting English text keywords, which can be further promoted and applied in practice.