bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potencial reproductivo de la hembra y parámetros productivos del lechón lactante de cerdo pelón mexicano.
Authors: Angel-Hernández Arturo , García-Munguía Carlos  Alberto , García-  Munguía Alberto Margarito , Gutiérrez-Chávez Abner  Josué , Valencia-Posadas Mauricio , García-Munguía Argelia , Segura-Correa José Candelario
Published: February 2022

El objetivo de la investigación fue conocer el comportamiento y la habilidad materna del Cerdo Pelón Mexicano (CPM) mediante el análisis de parámetros  reproductivos y productivos desde el parto al destete. Se evaluaron dos ecotipos de CPM provenientes de Huehuetla, Hidalgo (CPH) y de Atlequizayán, Puebla (CPP). Las variables por lechón fueron peso al nacimiento (PN) y peso al destete (PD). En los partos no se  registraron distocias, ni muertes y presentaron anidación; el ecotipo CPP presentó el mayor número en los parámetros reproductivo que CPH. Las medias de los PN y PD fueron superiores para los lechones CPH que CPP. El  comportamiento materno fue favorable, ya que no se presentaron muertes al nacimiento ni en la lactancia. En los parámetros productivos las hembras del CPP tuvieron camadas ligeramente de mayor tamaño en comparación con las CPH, mientras que los lechones de CPH presentaron un mayor peso.
Tipificación y caracterización del sistema de producción del cerdo criollo de la Región Centro, México
Authors: Angel-Hernández Arturo , García-Munguía Carlos Alberto , García- Munguía Alberto Margarito , Valencia-Posadas Mauricio , Hernández Ruiz Jesús , Velázquez-Madrazo Pablo Alfonso
Published: February 2022

El objetivo fue realizar la caracterización fenotípica y el sistema deproducción del cerdo criollo presente en la región centro de la Sierra Madre Oriental, en los municipios de Huehuetla y San Bartolo Tutotepec (Hidalgo) y Atlequizayan, Ciudad de Cuetzalan y Zacapoaxtla (Puebla). La obtención de datos se efectuó de acuerdo con la técnica de entrevista estructurada, donde se incluyeron 55 productores dispuestos a participar y que contaran con cerdos con características de cerdo pelón mexicano y cuino. Se caracterizó la morfometría de los animales, se registró el peso corporal, altura (cruz y grupa) y largo (cuerpo, trompa y cabeza) de los individuos. Se realizó un análisis factorial por componentes principales, conglomerados y jerárquico. Para las variables no paramétricas se utilizó estadísticas descriptiva y análisis de varianza multifactorial. Se identificaron dos tipos de sistemas de producción de traspatio para la  cría de Cerdo Criollo en la Región Centro de la Sierra Madre Oriental, el primero es para autoconsumo, el segundo se diferencia por la incorporación de mejoras en el manejo, en la forma de producción, enfoque expansivo. Además, los cerdos criollos de la región se encuentran diferenciados en su morfometría dependiendo de su lugar de origen.
Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders, from Child Psychiatry Departments to Forensic Psychiatry Units: An Embarrassing Trajectory?
Authors: Freitas Ramos Sara , França Gustavo
Published: February 2022

N/a.
Modern Approaches to the Management of Patients with Hyperkaliemia
Authors: Reznik E. V. , Selivanov A. I. , Lutsenko A. R. , Garanina L. A. , Golukhov G. N.
Published: February 2022

Hyperkalemia is the most common electrolyte imbalance in clinical practice. Hyperkalemia can be caused by an increased intake of potassium into the body, the shift of potassium out of cells or an abnormal renal potassium excretion. This condition is associated with a high risk of death from arrhythmias; therefore, even a slight deviation of the serum potassium level from the norm requires immediate correction. Modern approaches to the treatment of hyperkalemia include the elimination of predictors and the potassium-lowering drugs. Although inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are currently the best cardionephroprotective drugs, their administration can lead to hyperkalemia too, especially in heart failure, chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. The article discusses in detail the physiology of potassium metabolism, possible predictors, prevention and treatment of hyperkalemia.
Internet of Things-Driven Data Mining for Smart Crop Production Prediction in the Peasant Farming Domain
Authors: Colombo-Mendoza Luis Omar , Paredes-Valverde Mario Andrés , Salas-Zárate María del Pilar , Valencia-García Rafael
Published: February 2022

Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can greatly benefit from machine learning techniques and Artificial Neural Networks for data mining and vice versa. In the agricultural field, this convergence could result in the development of smart farming systems suitable for use as decision support systems by peasant farmers. This work presents the design of a smart farming system for crop production, which is based on low-cost IoT sensors and popular data storage services and data analytics services on the Cloud. Moreover, a new data mining method exploiting climate data along with crop production data is proposed for the prediction of production volume from heterogeneous data sources. This method was initially validated using traditional machine learning techniques and open historical data of the northeast region of the state of Puebla, Mexico, which were collected from data sources from the National Water Commission and the Agri-food Information Service of the Mexican Government.
Application of Mass Multivariate Analysis on Neuroimaging Data Sets in Psychiatric Diagnostics
Authors: Paunova Rositsa , Kandilarova Sevdalina , Todeva-Radneva Anna , Latypova Adeliya , Kherif Ferath , Stoyanov Drozdstoy
Published: February 2022

We have used Mass Multivariate Method on structural, resting state and task related fMRI data from two groups of patients with schizophrenia and depression, respectively, in order to define several regions of significant relevance to the differential diagnosis between those conditions. The regions included the left Planum polare, Left opercular part of the inferior frontal gyrus (OpIFG), Medial orbital gyrus (MOrG), Posterior Insula (PIns), and Parahippocampal gyrus (PHG). This study delivers evidence that multimodal neuroimaging approach can potentially enhance the validity of psychiatric diagnosis. Either structural, or resting state or task related functional MRI modality cannot provide independent biomarkers. Further studies need to consider and implement a model of incremental validity to combine clinical measures with different neuroimaging modalities to discriminate depressive disorders from schizophrenia. Biological signatures of disease on the level of neuroimaging are more likely to underpin broader nosological entities in psychiatry.
Crowding in or crowding out? Public Investment and Private Investment in South Africa: An ECM Approach
Authors: Pamba Dumisani
Published: February 2022

This study aims to explore the link between public investment and private investment in South Africa, using time series data spanning 40 years (1980–2020). Private investment is subdivided into credit to private sector (CPS) and foreign direct investment (FDI). Several econometric methodologies were used in the study, including the unit root test, cointegration test, and Error Correction Method (ECM). The Phillips-Perron (PP) test results point out that all the variables are stationary at levels with the exception of public investment (PI) which is stationary at first difference. The co-integration test reveals that the variables have a long-run equilibrium relationship. According to the findings of the ECM, public investment has a negative relationship with private investment (as measured by credit to private sector and foreign direct investment). The conclusion implies that in South Africa, public investment crowds out private investment. Other results revealed that, RGDP crowds in credit to private sector while crowding out foreign direct investment. Finally, the ECM findings show that government consumption expenditure crowds out credit to private sector and foreign direct investment. The residuals are homoskedastic and show no serial correlation, indicating that the model is adequate, according to the test for adequacy.
Do The Polymeric Nanoparticles Really Enhance The Bioavailability Of Oral Drugs? A Quantitative Answer Using Meta-analysis
Authors: Hathout Rania Mohammed
Published: February 2022

The oral route remains one of the most popular and important routes of administration that warrants the development of advanced drug delivery systems such as the polymeric nanoparticles capable of enhancing the absorption and bioavailability of the used drugs. In this work, systematic reviewing through several databases followed by a meta-analysis study were utilized in order to navigate the published studies and reach literature-based evidence about the capability of polymeric nanoparticulate systems of augmenting the absorption and the bioavailability of the orally administered drugs. The pharmacokinetic parameter; area under the curve (AUC) was utilized as the “effect” of the meta-analysis study. The meta-analysis study demonstrated the significant increase AUC as compared to the conventional formulations. Furthermore, comparing the synthetic polymeric nanoparticles versus the naturally-based counterparts, as subgroups of the meta-analysis, revealed no significant differences.
How the Big Bang End Up Inside a Black Hole
Authors: Gaztanaga Enrique
Published: February 2022

The standard model of cosmology assumes that our Universe began 14 Gyrs (billion years) ago with a hot Big Bang expansion out of nothing. It can explain a vast range of different astrophysical data from a handful of free cosmological parameters. However successful this model is, we have no direct evidence or fundamental understanding of some key assumptions: low entropy start, Inflation, Dark Matter and Dark Energy. Here we present a simpler and more physical explanation for the same observations that do not require such assumptions or new laws of Physics. It is based on the evidence that we live inside a Black Hole (BH) of mass $ M \simeq 5 \times 10^{22} M_{\odot}$, which we observed as cosmic acceleration. How did the Big Bang end up inside such a BH? We propose that 25 Gyrs ago, a very low density cloud with this mass collapsed and form a BH. The collapse continued inside until it reached neutron energy densities (GeV) over solar mass ($M_{\odot}$) causal regions that exploded, like supernovae, producing a bounce and the Big Bang expansion. During collapse, perturbations exit the horizon to re-enter during expansion, given rise to the observed universe. We review the theoretical and observational evidence for such BH Universe.
15-Year Analysis of Direct Effects of Total and Dust Aerosols in Solar Radiation/Energy Over the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Papachristopoulou Kyriakoula , Fountoulakis Ilias , Gkikas Antonis , Kosmopoulos Panagiotis G. , Nastos Panagiotis T. , Hatzaki Maria , Kazadzis Stelios
Published: February 2022

The direct radiative effects of atmospheric aerosols are essential for climate, as well as for other societal areas, like the energy sector. The goal of the present study is to exploit the newly devel-oped ModIs Dust AeroSol (MIDAS) dataset for quantifying the direct effects on the downwelling surface solar irradiance (DSSI), induced by the total and dust aerosols amount, under clear-sky conditions and the associated impacts on solar energy for the broader Mediterranean basin, over the period 2003 – 2017. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) and dust optical depth (DOD) derived by the MIDAS dataset, along with additional aerosol and dust optical properties and atmospheric variables were used as inputs to radiative transfer modeling to simulate DSSI components. A 15-year climatology of AOD, DOD and of clear-sky Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) and Direct Normal Irradiation (DNI) was derived. The spatial and temporal variability of the aerosol and dust effects on the different DSSI components was assessed. Aerosol attenuation of annual GHI and DNI range from 1-13% and 5-47%, respectively. Significant attenuation by dust 2-10% and 9-37% was found over North Africa and the Middle East, contributing to 45-90% of the total aero-sol effects. The mean GHI and DNI attenuation during extreme dust episodes reached values up to 12% and 44%, respectively, for different areas. After 2008 a decline of aerosol effects on DSSI was found, attributed mainly to the dust component. Sensitivity analysis using different AOD/DOD inputs from Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reanalysis dataset, revealed CAMS underestimation of aerosol and dust radiative effects compared to MIDAS, due to slight AOD and stronger DOD underestimation, respectively.
Greater Trochanteric Fracture with Lesser Trochanter Extension
Authors: Yukata Kiminori , Uchiyama Yuya , Nishida Norihiro , Ohgi Junji , Sakai Takashi , Fujii Hiroshi
Published: February 2022

Case:

Two patients (aged 71 and 82 years) presented with a greater trochanteric fracture with lesser trochanter extension. These cases were successfully treated by prophylactic osteosynthesis to prevent secondary intertrochanteric/cervical fracture and to facilitate an early return to daily life. We also clarified the mechanical strength of the area that escaped bone fracture using the patient-specific computed tomography–based finite element method (CT/FEM).

Conclusions:

The present fractured femurs were shown to halve the axial compression strength and had only one-sixth torsional strength in patient-specific CT/FEM. These data support prophylactic surgery to prevent the secondary fractures because of this injury.
Salvage of Bone Transport with the Induced Membrane Technique in an Open Tibia Fracture with a Segmental Defect
Authors: Taha Tarek A.
Published: February 2022

Case:

A 29-year-old man with an open tibia fracture and a 15-cm bone defect was treated with irrigation, debridement, intramedullary nailing, soft-tissue flap, and bone transport with a frame over the nail. He developed osteomyelitis of his bone transport segment close to docking, which required bone resection and an induced membrane technique to salvage his transport segment and achieve union.

Conclusions:

This report illustrates the combined use of bone transport and induced membrane technique to achieve union in a 15-cm tibial defect. It demonstrates the use of the Masquelet technique to salvage an infected bone transport segment.
Fatal Outcome After Reduction of a Superior Shoulder Dislocation, A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Valdivia Zúñiga Carlos Alberto , Fulvi Alessandro Nilo
Published: February 2022

Case:

An 81-year-old woman presented a superior glenohumeral dislocation after a low-energy fall, with a mechanism of axial load while the shoulder was in adduction and extension. After successful closed reduction, the patient presented sudden symptoms of severe vascular injury with a protruding axillary hematoma and hypovolemic shock.

Conclusion:

Superior shoulder dislocations and vascular injuries are extremely rare among shoulder dislocations, especially after low-energy trauma. Vascular injuries may result in limb compromise and death. We highlight the importance of high clinical suspicion, particularly in superior dislocations, and the importance of prompt management of vascular complications to avoid catastrophic outcomes.
Fracture of the Entire Posterior Talar Process in an Adolescent Boy
Authors: Panagopoulos Andreas , Antzoulas Panagiotis , Tatarakis Dimitris , Konstantopoulou Anna , Tagaris Giorgos
Published: February 2022

Case report:

Fractures of the talus in adolescents are uncommon and usually involve the talar body or neck. We report a rare fracture of the entire posterior talar process in a 14-year-old boy who fell during skateboarding. He was managed with open reduction and fixation with a headless screw. He gradually regained sports activities after 4 months and had no further complaints at his last follow-up evaluation, 18 months postoperatively.

Conclusion:

In posterior talar process fractures, operative treatment can provide a good functional outcome. Patients must be followed with serial radiographs because of the high incidence of nonunion and avascular necrosis.
Chronic Wear-Induced Bearing Dislocation in a Fixed-Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Kiran Manish , Kho James , Hepburn Elizabeth , Chakraverty Julian , Davies Hywel
Published: February 2022

Case:

We present a case of late onset, bearing wear-induced failure of locking mechanism, resulting in bearing dislocation and rapidly progressive severe metallosis in a medial fixed-bearing (FB) unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA).

Conclusion:

Bearing dislocation is a rare complication of chronic wear in FB UKA, and early recognition is essential to prevent metallic component articulation-induced metallosis and catastrophic failure.
Stem-Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Meekin Alexandra , Sasek Cody
Published: February 2022

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage leading to pain and loss of function. Conservative treatment focuses on symptomatic relief with analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties that aim to modify the disease process. Patients find improvement in function and pain after MSC therapy. MSC treatment stabilizes the cartilage, but there is no definitive regeneration. MSC therapy could be a treatment option for those wanting to stop or delay the disease process. This article reviews the current literature on the use of MSC therapy for patients with KOA.
Philippines: Strength and Weakness of Science Curricula
Authors: Sumardani Dadan
Published: February 2022

The Philippines is a country in Asia which in its curriculum requires English as the medium of Instruction, even so the scientific ability of students in the Philippines is not so good as seen based on PISA 2018. Many things can be learned from the curriculum of other countries so that it can be an illustration of how the curriculum should be perfected. This article provides an overview of how the process of science lessons taught in Philippine schools and the obstacles it faces. The method used is In depth Interview with qualitative analysis. This article suggests that the medium of instruction is important for the continuity of the learning process in the classroom, at the same time this can be a lesson for schools in any country that will carry out the bilingualization process in their schools or use a second language as a medium of instruction, to pay attention to the long-term effects on students and conduct research. depth before applying the approach.
Numerical Study on Particle Transport and Placement Behaviors of Ultralow Density Particles in Fracture-Vuggy Reservoirs
Authors: Zhang Tao , Gou Haoran , Mu Kefan , Guo Jianchun , Yang Ruoyu , Li Ming
Published: February 2022

A solid/liquid two-phase flow numerical model based on the computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM) model was established to study the transport and settlement law of ultralow-density (ULD) particles during the waterdrive channel adjustment of the Tahe carbonate fractured-vuggy reservoir. The mass, momentum, and turbulence equations of the fluid phase were established in Euler coordinates, whereas the particle motion equations were established based on Newton’s second law. The interaction between the ULD particles was described using a soft sphere model, and the water and particle phases were bidirectionally coupled. Meanwhile, virtual experiments were conducted to calibrate the contact parameters of the particles, and parallel plate experiments were performed to validate the model. Using numerical simulations of particle transport behavior in fractures, the process and characteristics of particle transport and placement in fractures are demonstrated, which can be described by the settlement profile angle and equilibrium gap height. According to parameterized simulations, the change law of the settlement profile angle and equilibrium gap height with different parameters such as particle size, pump displacement, and fracture width are demonstrated, which is helpful for the prediction of migration and accumulation of ULD particles in fracture-vuggy reservoirs.
Factors Influencing Communication Quality for Successful Fertility Preservation Counselling for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients and Their Care Givers in Korea
Authors: Shin Yoo Sub , Park Mi Na , Hahn Seung Min , Kwon Seung Yeon , Ahn Won Kee , Lyu Chuhl Joo , Han Jung Woo
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Fertility preservation (FP) discussion is a crucial step for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients; however, it is relatively new to Asian countries. This study highlights the quality of communication during FP discussions in Korea.
Methods

Participants were AYA patients (n = 34) and their guardians (n = 34). We described clinical pathways for FP and surveyed details on the discussion characteristics and satisfaction scales during the FP discussions in Yonsei Cancer Center, Seoul, Korea. Quality of FP discussions and the degree of satisfaction with the discussions were measured on a scale of 1–7.
Results

Of the participants, two guardians did not answer the survey. All respondents reported high overall satisfaction; however, several factors were related to low satisfaction or information quality. Regarding the type of counselors, both respondent groups reported high overall satisfaction when their counselors were physicians rather than other types of care providers. Regarding information quality, guardians who were provided with both verbal and non-verbal communication tools (pamphlets, internet resources, or others) were more satisfied with the information quality than those who were provided with only verbal communication tools. Regarding the number of discussion sessions, more than one discussion session indicated improved understanding of the FP concept, higher communication, and information quality.
Conclusion

To improve the FP process for AYA cancer patients, we need to adjust the type of counselors, number of discussion sessions, and types of information. This will be the cornerstone of effective FP communications in Korea.
A Case of PMM2-CDG Caused by an A108V Mutation Associated With a Heterozygous 70 Kilobases Deletion
Authors: Lebredonchel Elodie , Riquet A. , Neut D. , Broly F. , Matthijs G. , Klein A. , Foulquier F.
Published: February 2022

Background: Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG) are a large group of inherited inborn errors of metabolism with more than 140 different CDG types reported to date (1). The first characterized is also the most common, PMM2-CDG, with an autosomal recessive transmission. The PMM2 gene is encoding a phosphomannomutase. Case report: We report the case of a French child, from healthy and unrelated parents, presenting congenital ataxia with hypotonia, hyperlaxity, inverted nipples and alteration of the liver function and coagulation parameters. Transferrin isoelectrofocusing revealed a typical type I CDG profile. Direct Sanger sequencing and quantitative PCR of PMM2 revealed a unique and novel genotype. On one allele, the patient was heterozygote with a known missense variant rs200203569 NM_000303.3(PMM2):c.323C>T, p.Ala108Val in exon 4. On the second allele, WGS confirmed the presence of a novel heterozygous 70453 bp deletion encompassing 6 exons of PMM2 at position chr16:8,897,826-8,968,278. Conclusion: As the maximum length of a PMM2 deletion reported by HGMS database is 28 kb, we identified the largest heterozygous deletion reported so far. The observation reveals the impact of a thorough diagnostic testing on genetic counselling: hasty conclusion of homozygosity in the case of a relatively rare variant found in an index patient with unrelated parents can be avoided using whole genome sequencing.
Repression of HIV-1 Reactivation Mediated By KRAB Fused CRISPR/dCas9 Proteins In Lymphoid And Myeloid Cell Models
Authors: Costa Lendel Correia da , Bomfim Larissa Maciel , Dittz Uilla Victoria Torres , Velozo Camila de Almeida , Cunha Rodrigo Delvecchio da , Tanuri Amilcar
Published: February 2022

Background: Despite antiretroviral treatment efficacy, it does not lead to the complete eradication of HIV infection. In addition, HIV-1 latency reactivation is a major challenge towards cure efforts. Two strategies to cure HIV-1 infection, the “shock and kill” is based on the eradication of the HIV-1 from the patient, and the “block and lock". The “Block and Lock” methodology aims to control HIV-1 latency reactivation, promoting a functional cure. The KRAB fused CRISPR/dCas9 (pdCas9KRAB) system was previously produced to control cell transcription. Based on this construct we developed a CRISPR RNAs (sgRNAs), to guide the pdCas9KRAB up to five different sites in HIV-1 provirus sites to block HIV-1 latency reactivation. This process was mediated by phorbol esters and HDAC inhibitors.Results: We found five sites in the HIV-1 provirus genome (LTR1-LTR5) that minimize CRISPR off-targets and transduced them in the lymphoid and myeloid HIV-1 latency models. One of the five sgRNAs (LTR5) which binds specifically in the HIV-1 LTR NFκB binding site was able to promote a robust repression of reactivation pattern in a HIV-1 latency lymphoid model stimulated with Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate (PMA) and Ingenol B (IngB), both potent protein kinase C (PKC) stimulators. Reactivation with HDAC inhibitors, such as SAHA and Panobinostat, showed the same strong inhibition of reactivation. Additionally, we observed a reduction of 100 times in HIV-1 RNA molecules, when reactivated IngB in myeloid HIV-1 latently infected U1 cells.Conclusion: Taken together, our results show that the KRAB fused CRISPR/dCas9 system can robustly prevent the HIV-1 latency reactivation process, mediated by PMA or IngB and SAHA or Panobinostat, both in myeloid and lymphoid HIV-1 latency. In addition, we demonstrated that KRAB repressor protein is crucial to reactivation resistance phenotype, and we also have shown some useful hotspots sequences in HIV-1 LTR to design sgRNAs.
Molecular Harvesting of Proteins with Electroporation In Vivo Facilitates the Profiling of Spatial Differential Protein Expression in Tumors
Authors: Vitkin Edward , Singh Amrita , Wise Julia , Ben-Elazar Shay , Yakhini Zohar , Golberg Alexander
Published: February 2022

Background. Excision tissue biopsy, while central to cancer treatment and precision medicine, presents risks to the patient and does not provide a sufficiently broad and faithful representation of the heterogeneity of sampled solid tumors. Methods. Here we introduce e-biopsy – a novel concept for molecular profiling of solid tumors using molecular extraction with electroporation. As e-biopsy provides access to the molecular composition of a solid tumor, it potentially facilitates tumor diagnostics without tissue resection. Furthermore, thanks to its less invasive characteristics, e-biopsy enables probing the solid tumor multiple times in several distinct locations in the same procedure, thereby enabling the spatial profiling of tumor molecular heterogeneity.Results. We demonstrate e-biopsy in vivo, using the 4T1 breast cancer model in mice to assess its performance, as well as the inferred spatial differential protein expression. In particular, we show that proteomic profiles obtained via e-biopsy in vivo distinguish the tumors from healthy tissue and reflect spatial tumor differential protein expression.Conclusions. E-biopsy provides a completely new molecular cartography modality for solid tumors, providing information that potentially enables more sensitive detection, at lesser risk, as well as more precise personalized medicine.
Root Hairs Matter at Field Scale for Maize Shoot Growth and Nutrient Uptake, But Root Trait Plasticity is Primarily Triggered by Texture and Drought
Authors: Vetterlein Doris , Phalempin Maxime , Lippold Eva , Schlüter Steffen , Schreiter Susanne , Ahmed Mutez , Carminati Andrea , Duddek Patrick , Jorda Helena , Bienert Patrick , Bienert Desiree , Tarkka Mika , Ganther Minh , Oburger Eva , Santangeli Michael , Javaux Mathieu , Vanderborgth Jan
Published: February 2022

Aims: Root hairs are important for uptake, especially for nutrients with low mobility in soils with high sorption capacity. Yet, this has rarely been demonstrated in the field during a whole growing season. Mutants with defective root hairs are expected to have lower nutrient uptake, unless they compensate with more root growth. Since root hairs can also contribute to the plant's water uptake their importance could change over the course of a growing season. Methods: The root hair mutant rth3 of Zea mays and the corresponding wild-type were grown for two years under field conditions on sand and loam.Results: Shoot growth and P and K uptake of the plants were promoted by the presence of hairs at all growth stages. Differences between genotypes were greater on loam than on sand until tassel emergence, because additional exploitation by hairs is more relevant in loam. Compensation for the absence of root hairs by increased root growth was not observed in absolute terms. The root to shoot ratio was higher for rth3 than for wild-type. Root traits showed high plasticity in response to texture, the most salient being a greater mean root diameter in sand, irrespective of genotype. The mechanism causing the increase in mean root diameter is still unknown. Root length density was higher in sand, which can be explained by a greater need for exploration than exploitation in this substrate. Conclusion: The greater investment in root growth on sand compared to loam is expected to alter the long-term carbon balance.
Reducing LGBTQ+ adolescent mental health inequalities: A realist review of school-based interventions
Authors: McDermott Elizabeth , Kaley Alex , Kaner Eileen , Limmer Mark , McGovern Ruth , McNulty Felix , Nelson Rosie , Geijer-Simpson Emma , Spencer Liam
Published: February 2022

Background: Globally, research indicates that LGBTQ+ young people have elevated rates of poor mental health in comparison to their cisgender heterosexual peers. School environment is a key risk factor and is consistently associated with negative mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ adolescents, suggesting a need to intervene to affect change within the school environment. The aim of this review was to examine how, why, for whom and in what context school-based interventions prevent or reduce mental health problems in LGBTQ+ adolescents?Method: A realist review was conducted utilizing the seven-step published protocol (1, 2). The review focused on all types of school-based interventions that impacted on LGBTQ+ adolescent mental health. All study designs were included. The search strategy involved comprehensive electronic database searches and additional complementary search strategies (hand searching, citation tracking). Studies were subject to an inclusion criteria and quality appraisal. Those included in the review where subject to data extraction under defined fields of context, mechanism and outcome and synthesized to produce a programme theory.Results: In total, 4,911 titles and abstracts were screened, and 125 full papers reviewed, with 17 studies included in the final review. The review found 8 intervention components were necessary for school-based interventions to address LGBTQ+ pupil’s mental health: affirmative visual displays; external signposting to LGBTQ+ support; stand-alone input; school-based LGBTQ support groups; curriculum-based delivery; staff training; inclusion policies; trusted adult to talk to. Explaining how an intervention worked is complex and the programme theory developed emphasises the multiple causal pathways (e.g., psychological, behavioural, emotional, environmental, social) that operate to reduce poor mental health.Conclusions: We identified relatively few school-based interventions for this population group. The developed programme theory indicates that ‘to work’ school-based interventions must have a ‘whole-school’ approach that addresses specifically the dominant cis-heteronormative school environment and hence the marginalisation, silence, and victimization that LGBTQ+ pupils experience. We require more research on school interventions to reduce the inequalities in mental health in LGBTQ+ youth. We need to understand the underlying mechanisms that produce this inequality to design successful school public mental health interventions.
Probenecid Inhibits Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Replication
Authors: Murray Jackelyn , Bergeron Harrison C. , Jones Les P. , Chapman Taylor , Reener Z. Beau , Martin David E. , Sancilio Fred D. , Tripp Ralph A.
Published: February 2022

RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are dependent on host genes for replication. We investigated if probenecid prophylaxis or treatment inhibited RSV replication in three epithelial cell lines used in RSV studies, i.e., Vero E6 cells, HEp-2 cells, and in primary normal human bronchoepithelial (NHBE) cells, and in BALB/c mice. The studies showed that nanomolar concentrations of all probenecid regimens prevent RSV strain A and RSV B replication in vitro and RSV strain A in vivo, representing a potential prophylactic and chemotherapeutic for RSV.
Specific activation of embryonic IFNAR1 and endometrial IFNAR2 induced by embryonic IFNτ directs normal uterine fate for bovine early implantation
Authors: Guo Yong , Wang Xiangguo , Chen Chaolei , Wang Lijuan , Su Yunze , Li Boyu , Xiao Longfei , Lin Zili , Sheng Xihui , Qi Xiaolong , Ni Hemin
Published: February 2022

Background: Interferon-tau (IFNτ), as an antiluteolytic factor secreted by trophoderm during the pregnancy of ruminants, actually functions by activating the IFNτ receptor 1 (IFNAR1) and IFNτ receptor 2 (IFNAR2). However, it has not been clearly understood how IFNτ-IFNAR cascade regulation processes between the embryo and uterine epithelial cells in ruminants. Methods: CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to compare the differences of IFNτ secretion in In vitro fertilization(IVF), parthenogenetic activation(PA) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and their in vitro co-culture effect with uterine endometrial epithelial cell with those in vivo ones in this study.Results: In this study, we found the expression and location of IFNτ in the blastocysts from different sources. IFNτ, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 were all located in the trophoblast cells of the blastocyst. However, the fluorescence intensity of IFNAR1 was consistent with that of IFNτ. Antagonizing the expressions of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 in embryos and co-culture with EEC reduced the expressions of Integrin αv β3, WNT7A, and ISG15 in EECs. Knocking out IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 reduce the expressions of Integrin αv β3 and WNT7A in EECs, the deletion of IFNAR2 gene has a greater impact than that of IFNAR1 gene. IFNAR1-/IFNAR2+ and IFNAR1+/IFNAR2- EECs were co-cultured with IVF embryos, the expression of Integrin αv β3 was inhibited, and the inhibition of IFNAR1+/IFNAR2- was much stronger, and the expression of WNT7A was not inhibited. The expressions of Integrin αv β3 and WNT7A did not change significantly after IFNAR1-/IFNAR2+ and IFNAR1+/IFNAR2- co-culture with PA embryos. Conclusions: All of these results strongly suggest that specific activation of embryonic IFNAR1 and endometrial IFNAR2 induced by embryonic IFNτ directs normal uterine preparation for bovine early implantation.
Emerging role of circANRIL expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a promising liquid biopsy diagnostic biomarker for coronary artery disease
Authors: Akan Gokce , Nyawawa Evarist , Nyangasa Bashir , Turkcan Mehmet Kerem , Mbugi Erasto , Janabi Mohammed , Atalar Fatmahan
Published: February 2022

Background: Long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized to play major roles in coronary artery disease (CAD). ANRIL, a well-known lncRNA is located on the 9p21.3 locus which is the first reported CAD risk locus. This study aimed to evaluate the association of ANRIL and its transcript variants expressions with susceptibility to CAD as well as to investigate the impact of 9p21.3 locus single nucleotid polymorphisms (SNPs) on their expressions in adipose tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of Tanzanian study cohort.Methods: Expressions of ANRIL, and its variants; circANRIL (hsa_circ_0008574), NR003529, EU741058 and DQ485454 were detected by qRT-PCR in visceral adipose tissues (VAT) (epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and mediastinal adipose tissue(MAT)), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and PBMCs of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting due to CAD and non-CAD patients undergoing heart valve surgery. Five SNPs encompassing the 9p21.3 risk locus were genotyped in a cohort of 200 CAD patients an 220 non-CAD patients using qRT-PCR and their impact on gene expressions were further evaluated.Results: ANRIL expression was significantly up-regulated, while the expression of circANRIL significantly down-regulated in CAD patients compared to non-CAD patients. Also, increased circANRIL expression was determined to be significantly inversely associated with the severity of CAD. Moreover, rs10757278 and rs10811656 polymorphisms were significantly associated with expressions of ANRIL, EU741058, NR003529 and circANRIL in VAT and PBMCs. Decreased circANRIL levels were correlated with aggressive clinical characteristics. Moreover, the random forest model was evaluated to feature importance of CAD prediction. Accordingly, the receiver operating characteristics(ROC) curve analysis was evaluated and the result suggested that circANRIL has high diagnostic accuracy. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.9808, the optimal cut‐off value was 0.33, with a sensitivity of 1.0 and a specificity of 0.88.Conclusion: We report the first data demonstating the presence of, ANRIL and its transcript variants expressions in adipose tissues and PBMCs of CAD patients and the strong association between ANRIL expression and CAD. circANRIL having a synergetic effect with ANRIL plays a protective role in CAD pathogenesis. Therefore, altered circANRIL expression may become a potential diagnostic biomarker for early CAD diagnosis in Tanzania.
Enterprises Providing ICT Training in Europe
Authors: Laureti Lucio , Costantiello Alberto , Matarrese Marco Maria , Leogrande Angelo
Published: February 2022

The determinants of enterprises providing ICT training in Europe are analyzed in this article. Data are collected from the European Innovation Scoreboard-EIS of the European Commission for 36 European countries in the period 2000-2019. Data are analyzed with Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Panel Data with Random Effects, Dynamic Panel, WLS and Pooled OLS. Results show that the number of enterprises providing ICT training in Europe is positively associate with “Innovation Index”, “Innovators”, “New Doctorate Graduates”, “Tertiary Education” and negatively associated with “Government Procurement of Advanced Technology Products”, “Human Resources”, and “Marketing or Organisational Innovators”. In adjunct a cluster analysis is performed by using k-Means algorithm optimized with the Silhouette Coefficient and we find the presence of four clusters. Finally, we use eight different machine learning algorithms to predict the value of the enterprises providing ICT training in Europe. We found that the Simple Tree Regression is the best predictor and that the number of enterprises providing ICT training in Europe is expected to growth of the 5,02%.
Reduction of motorcycle-related deaths over 15 years in a developing country
Authors: Yasin Yasin J. , Eid Hani O. , Alao David O , Grivna Michal , Abu-Zidan Fikri M
Published: February 2022

Background: There have been major improvements in the trauma system and injury prevention in Al-Ain City. We aimed to study the impact of these changes on the incidence, pattern, injury severity, and outcome of hospitalized motorcycle-related injured patients in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of two separate periods of prospectively collected data which were retrieved from Al-Ain Hospital Trauma Registry (March 2003 to March 2006 compared with January 2014 to December 2017). All motorcycle injured patients who were admitted to Al-Ain Hospital for more than 24 hours or died in the Emergency Department or after hospitalization were studied. Results: The incidence of motorcycle injuries dropped by 37.1% over the studied period. The location of injury was significantly different between the two periods (p = 0.02, Fisher's Exact test), with fewer injuries occurring at streets/highways in the second period (69.1% compared with 85.3%). The anatomical injury severity of the head significantly increased over time (p = 0.03), while GCS on arrival significantly improved (p < 0.0001), indicating improvements in the prehospital care. The mortality of the patients significantly decreased (0% compared with 6%, p = 0.002, Fisher's Exact test). Conclusions: The incidence of motorcycle injuries in our city dropped by almost 40% over the last 15 years. There was a significant reduction in the mortality of hospitalized motorcycle injured patients despite increased anatomical severity of the head injuries. This is attributed to improvements in the trauma care system, including injury prevention and prehospital care.
Consumer Preferences of Ratibida columnifera (Nutt.) Wooton & Standl. Floral Characteristics
Authors: Hopkins Kaitlin A. , Hall Charles R. , Arnold Michael A. , Palma Marco A. , Knuth Melinda , Pemberton Brent
Published: February 2022

Conjoint analysis can be used to simultaneously investigate consumer preferences on multiple attributes and levels. Our objective was to gain insight regarding consumer preferences for attributes and levels attributed to Ratibida columnifera, a wildflower of potential commercial interest. A ratings-based conjoint analysis using petal color (bicolor, marble, red, yellow), petal shape (circular, oval, notched, lobed), petal number (less than 10, more than 10), and price ($10.00, $15.00, $20.00) was conducted to elucidate part-worth utility from data from 1000 subjects recruited using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), a crowdsourcing marketplace. Subjects were then clustered according to their conjoint utility scores. In addition to the conjoint analysis, a principal component analysis was performed based on native plant knowledge of the respondent. Conjoint results revealed that petal color was the most important attribute in decision making, followed by price, petal shape, and petal number. Utility values revealed preference for bicolor petals, followed by red, yellow, and marbled color petals. Preference for price went from least expensive to most expensive. Circular petals were favored over oval, notched, and lobed. Subjects also preferred to have 10 petals or more, vs. less than 10 petals. Cluster analysis yielded three consumer segments, which differed in their utility values. These clusters differed in both demographics and R. columnifera preferences. Overall, consumers preferred R. columnifera with partial (bicolor) or complete red coloration over other options, lower prices, more petals, and entire circular or oval petals.
Evaluating Stratified Substrates Effect on Containerized Crop Growth under Varied Irrigation Strategies
Authors: Criscione Kristopher S. , Fields Jeb S. , Owen Jim S. , Fultz Lisa , Bush Edward
Published: February 2022

Growers rely on soilless substrates to provide sufficient water and nutrients to containerized crops. Traditional bark-based substrates are engineered to have relatively low water-holding capabilities, which can lead to nonuniform rewetting patterns and inefficient usage of water resources. Engineering substrates to redistribute water dynamics and maximize aeration within the container may improve water resource efficiencies. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether more efficient irrigation schedules can be used when stratifying unique substrates within a container for added crop water and nutrient efficiency. Loropetalum chinense ‘Ruby’ liners were planted and grown in a conventional pine bark substrate or one of three stratified substrate treatments, including a bark:peat, bark:coir, or fine bark layered on top of a coarse bark. The crops were grown under four different irrigation schedules, including single daily application, single application at deficit levels, cyclic application, or cyclic at deficit schedules. Stratified substrates improved crop growth, quality, and yield when compared with plants grown in conventional bark in the single application irrigation treatment. Measured at final harvest, substrates positively influenced plant growth index (P < 0.0001), whereas irrigation scheduling alone had no effect (P = 0.6321). There was a strong interaction between substrate and irrigation schedules on Δ growth index (P = 0.0141). There were strong substrate effects on shoot dry weight (P = 0.0060), root dry weight (P = 0.0342), and growth index (P = 0.0040). The stratified bark:coir treatment outgrew all other substrate treatments. In addition, within all irrigation treatments, plants grown with the stratified bark:coir substrate had the highest survival ratings among the other substrate treatments, whereas the conventional bark had the lowest survival rates. Substrate and irrigation had an effect on nitrogen and potassium leachate concentrations levels (P = 0.0107 and P = 0.0004, respectively). Evaluation of microbial communities showed that substrate (P = 0.0010) and the stratified layer (P = 0.0010) had strong influences on the type of community present and the relative abundance in the treatments used herein this study. Specifically, within cyclic scheduling, bark:peat actinomycete populations were significantly greater than other substrate treatments. Furthermore, under deficit irrigation, stratified substrate systems were able to mitigate crop water stress. The results indicate that when crops such as the Loropetalum are grown in the stratified system, crop growth can be sustained when drought conditions are present. This is possible by providing adequate water availability even under low water inputs until subsequent irrigations during the fragile establishment period, when compared with using traditional bark-based substrates.