bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Body Fat Percentage in Normal-Weight Individuals
Authors: Hatamizargaran Zeynab , Sasani Mohammadreza , Akhlaghi Masoumeh
Published: August 2021

Background: Recent data have suggested that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can occur in normal-weight subjects. This study examined the association of body fat percentage (BF%) with NAFLD and its risk factors in normal-weight individuals. Objectives: The present study aimed to explain the association of body fat with NAFLD and its cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: A total of 59 subjects with body mass index (BMI) within the range of 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2 were selected from referrals to two major university polyclinics in Shiraz, Iran, from April to June 2019. Fatty liver grade, anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors were measured in this study. Results: Waist circumference (P = 0.012), fat mass (P < 0.001), triglycerides (TG) (P = 0.027), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (P = 0.007), and TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (P = 0.003) increased; however, skeletal muscle mass decreased (P < 0.001) across the tertiles of BF%. The average of fatty liver grade was similar in the first and second tertiles; nevertheless, the fatty liver grade of participants in the third tertile was significantly higher (1.3 ± 0.9 vs. 0.4 ± 0.7; P = 0.005). In ordinal regression analysis, BF% (1.13; 95% CI: 1.04 - 1.22; P = 0.003), BMI (1.95; 95% CI: 1.02 - 3.74; P = 0.045), VLDL (1.77; 95% CI: 1.00 - 3.12; P = 0.049), and TG/HDL-C ratio (2.21; 95% CI: 1.26 - 3.86; P = 0.006) had positive associations with NAFLD; nonetheless, HDL-C (0.33; 95% CI: 0.16 - 0.67; P = 0.002) and dietary cholesterol (0.97; 95% CI: 0.95 - 0.997; P = 0.028) had inverse associations with NAFLD after the adjustments for age, gender, BMI, and physical activity. Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that within normal weight ranges, NAFLD occurs more frequently in individuals with higher BF%. In addition, BF% can be used as an important marker in NAFLD screening.
Le « musée » de McLeod Lake (Colombie-Britannique)
Authors: Lanoue Guy
Published: August 2021

Les Sekanis de la Colombie-Britannique septentrionale ont une longue histoire de contacts avec les groupes européens et eurocanadiens. Leur passé est marqué de plusieurs évènements importants, donc deux sont ciblés ici : le fait que les divers groupes sekanis ont émergé, dû aux dynamiques de la traite de fourrure dans la région, et comment ils l’ont expérimentée avec un système phratrique-totémique dans la deuxième moitié du xixe siècle. Cependant, ces deux volets importants du passé sont aujourd’hui totalement oubliés (tandis que d’autres évènements, même antérieurs, sont toujours d’actualité). L’auteur explore ici les raisons de cet « oubli » sélectif.
Y avait-il des deux-esprits chez les Anicinabek ?
Authors: Bousquet Marie-Pierre , Hamel-Charest Laurence , Mapachee Anna
Published: August 2021

Y avait-il des genres alternatifs chez les Anicinabek ? La question a émergé après
qu’un centre de santé, désireux de lutter contre l’homophobie, eut voulu créer des outils
culturellement adéquats, fondés sur la tradition anicinabe. En collaboration avec ce centre,
les auteures ont effectué une recherche sur les sexes et les genres auprès de personnes
reconnues comme porteuses de savoirs sur les temps anciens. S’aidant d’une revue de
littérature sur les deux-esprits chez les Premières Nations en général, elles ont noté que
rien en anicinabemowin ne traduit l’existence d’autres genres que homme/femme et d’autres
pratiques qu’hétérosexuelles. La sexualité était un domaine caché et les gens étaient
pudiques. L’importance de la discrétion, dans un contexte où la reproduction était capitale,
a fait ressortir les valeurs qui sont fondamentales pour les Anicinabek, comme le respect et
la non-ingérence. Ainsi, être un « bon homme » et une « bonne femme » semble plus important
que les préférences amoureuses et sexuelles de chacun.
Filmer la divination chez les Inuit du Nunavut
Authors: Laugrand Frédéric B.
Published: August 2021

En écho à une approche dont Jean-Guy Goulet s’est fait le défenseur, tant auprès des Wayùu de Colombie qu’avec les Déné Tha’ du Canada, et en réaction à l’un de ses articles sur la prière et les médias publié dansRecherches amérindiennes au Québec, l’auteur revient sur l’approche des Ateliers de transmission intergénérationnelle des savoirs (ATIS) mise au point avec Jarich Oosten et le Nunavut Arctic College au début des années 2000, et sur l’usage de la caméra. À travers l’exemple duqilaniq, un rituel divinatoire que les Inuit pratiquent depuis lexviesiècle, il avance que le format des ATIS permet de répondre à deux grandes critiques classiques adressées aux anthropologues. La première observation, formulée par J. Fabian, porte sur un problème de temporalité, le temps partagé lors de la rencontre entre l’ethnologue et son participant n’étant pas celui du récit anthropologique; la seconde concerne la fabrique du savoir anthropologique largement attaqué par les postmodernes. Or, en rendant le contexte d’énonciation plus transparent et en privilégiant une anthropologie expérientielle proche de celle que prône Jean-Guy Goulet, les ATIS permettent de faire de l’anthropologue un participant – pas seulement un facilitateur. Dans le contexte de performances filmées, « faire comme si » ouvre des possibilités en termes d’expérimentation, en même temps que cela permet aux aînés inuit de mettre en valeur leurs traditions à une époque marquée par d’urgents besoins dans le domaine de l’éducation et de la transmission des savoirs.
LA QUALITÉ DE VIE D’ENFANTS AVEC LE SYNDROME DE GILLES DE LA TOURETTE1
Authors: J.-Nolin2 Gabrielle , Leclerc Julie B.
Published: August 2021

Une compréhension globale des variables influençant la qualité de vie des enfants avec le syndrome de Gilles de la Tourette (SGT) est proposée dans la présente étude, qui est la première à faire état du portrait de la qualité de vie d’enfants québécois avec le SGT âgés de 8 et 12 ans. Les résultats mettent en lumière le rôle de l’estime de soi, ainsi que de certaines variables symptomatiques reliées au SGT, tels que la sévérité des tics et les symptômes du trouble de déficit de l’attention/hyperactivité, dans l’atteinte d’une qualité de vie optimale.
Selected Topics in Management and Modeling of Complex Systems: Editorial Introduction to Issue 27 of CSIMQ
Authors: Forbrig Peter , Sandkuhl Kurt
Published: August 2021

The 27th issue of CSIMQ presents four articles that cover a wide range of research topics. The articles are extended versions of previous publications. The topics of this issue start with the discussion of sound workflow specifications. It suggests control-flow-based methods. The range of topics ends with the discussion of literature results about the relations of Big Data algorithms and Microservices. Additionally, an approach for modeling the prediction of bankruptcy for Latvian companies is discussed. Within the range of topics is also an article about identity management in organizations. It discusses a case study and the Fractal Enterprise Model.
Identity Management in an Institution of Higher Education: A Case Study Using Structural Coupling and Fractal Enterprise Model
Authors: Bider Ilia , Perjons Erik
Published: August 2021

There are several ways of defining organizational identity and identity management. This article considers a less exploited one, namely, defining identity as a set of structural couplings that the organization has, and identity management as an activity aimed at maintaining these couplings. The concept of structural coupling comes from biological cybernetics, and it means that a system during its evolution becomes entangled with few other systems. The system at hand evolves together with these systems, adapts to them and causes them to adapt to it. The concept of structural coupling is applied in a study of an institution of higher education. To identify structural couplings, the authors use a so-called Fractal Enterprise Model that presents both internal structure of an organization and its business environment. The article analyzes to which elements of the environment an institution of higher education is structurally coupled and how the identity maintenance is arranged. The article provides examples of how well maintaining identity works in practice based on reflections on the authors' experience of working in the department. The article concludes with suggesting a generic procedure for identifying structural couplings and defining a strategy of maintaining these couplings.
La narrazione spettacolarizzata del paesaggio sonoro. Da Giuseppe Chiari a Philip K. Dick e oltre
Authors: Michi Francesco
Published: August 2021

Through the description of some works that I have conducted in recent years with Mechi Cena and Maurizio Montini, I will try to outline some possibilities in which the narration of the listening, of what you listen to, can become a matter of theater, meaning theater as a place where sounds, in this case, are presented in a certain way and in a certain way they are listened to. The theater is not only, we know that, a certain architectural space, but a place in which there is a here and a there, things represented and the target audience of those representations, and the representations are, in this case, stories of sounds.
Per un teatro di suoni. Riflessioni su possibili dimensioni sonore nelle creazioni site-specific di physical theatre
Authors: Quadri Demis
Published: August 2021

Taking physical theatre as a reference point, in this paper I aim to explore the possibilities for a theatre that starts from sounds and places to develop its own forms, structures and contents. In the first part I explain what the expression “physical theatre” can mean, then I focus on the issue of space in theatre, before devoting a section to some peculiarities of site-specific approaches to the performing arts. The next step is to take into consideration certain aspects of the sound dimension in theatre, before outlining considerations that can help to start an exploration of a theatre of sounds that promotes new spaces for a real dialogue of this art with society.
Violência sexual e o direito ao aborto legal no Brasil: fatos e reflexões
Authors: Giugliani Camila , Ruschel Angela Ester , Patuzzi Gregório Corrêa , Silva Maura Carolina Belomé da
Published: August 2021

A obra realiza uma discussão sobre o direito à interrupção de gestações decorrentes de violência sexual no Brasil. Parte-se da contextualização histórica e social dos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos, passando pela análise da literatura científica nacional sobre o tema, contemplando o panorama jurídico, dados epidemiológicos e cenário assistencial, para então discutir as barreiras e estratégias de superação dos desafios impostos.
Purkinje cell outputs selectively inhibit a subset of unipolar brush cells in the input layer of the cerebellar cortex
Authors: Guo Chong , Rudolph Stephanie , Neuwirth Morgan E , Regehr Wade G
Published: August 2021

Circuitry of the cerebellar cortex is regionally and functionally specialized. Unipolar brush cells (UBCs), and Purkinje cell (PC) synapses made by axon collaterals in the granular layer, are both enriched in areas that control balance and eye movement. Here, we find a link between these specializations in mice: PCs preferentially inhibit metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1 (mGluR1)-expressing UBCs that respond to mossy fiber (MF) inputs with long lasting increases in firing, but PCs do not inhibit mGluR1-lacking UBCs. PCs inhibit about 29% of mGluR1-expressing UBCs by activating GABAAreceptors (GABAARs) and inhibit almost all mGluR1-expressing UBCs by activating GABABreceptors (GABABRs). PC to UBC synapses allow PC output to regulate the input layer of the cerebellar cortex in diverse ways. Based on optogenetic studies and a small number of paired recordings, GABAAR-mediated feedback is fast and unreliable. GABABR-mediated inhibition is slower and is sufficiently large to strongly influence the input-output transformations of mGluR1-expressing UBCs.
Hsp40s play complementary roles in the prevention of tau amyloid formation
Authors: Irwin Rose , Faust Ofrah , Petrovic Ivana , Wolf Sharon Grayer , Hofmann Hagen , Rosenzweig Rina
Published: August 2021

The microtubule-associated protein, tau, is the major subunit of neurofibrillary tangles associated with neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease. In the cell, however, tau aggregation can be prevented by a class of proteins known as molecular chaperones. While numerous chaperones are known to interact with tau, though, little is known regarding the mechanisms by which these prevent tau aggregation. Here, we describe the effects of ATP-independent Hsp40 chaperones, DNAJA2 and DNAJB1, on tau amyloid-fiber formation and compare these to the small heat shock protein HSPB1. We find that the chaperones play complementary roles, with each preventing tau aggregation differently and interacting with distinct sets of tau species. Whereas HSPB1 only binds tau monomers, DNAJB1 and DNAJA2 recognize aggregation-prone conformers and even mature fibers. In addition, we find that both Hsp40s bind tau seeds and fibers via their C-terminal domain II (CTDII), with DNAJA2 being further capable of recognizing tau monomers by a second, distinct site in CTDI. These results lay out the mechanisms by which the diverse members of the Hsp40 family counteract the formation and propagation of toxic tau aggregates and highlight the fact that chaperones from different families/classes play distinct, yet complementary roles in preventing pathological protein aggregation.
A Note on Congruences of Infinite Bounded Involution Lattices
Authors:   Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Bucharest, Academiei 14, RO 010014, Bucharest, Romania, Muresan Claudia
Published: August 2021

We prove that an infinite (bounded) involution lattice and even pseudo-Kleene algebra can have any number of congruences between 2 and its number of elements or equalling its number of subsets, regardless of whether it has as many ideals as elements or as many ideals as subsets. Furthermore, when they have at most as many congruences as elements, these involution lattices and even pseudo-Kleene algebras can be chosen such that all their lattice congruences preserve their involutions, so that they have as many congruences as their lattice reducts. Under the Generalized Continuum Hypothesis, this means that an infinite (bounded) involution lattice and even pseudo-Kleene algebra can have any number of congruences between 2 and its number of subsets, regardless of its number of ideals. Consequently, the same holds for antiortholattices, a class of paraorthomodular Brouwer-Zadeh lattices. Regarding the shapes of the congruence lattices of the lattice{ ordered algebras in question, it turns out that, as long as the number of congruences is not strictly larger than the number of elements, they can be isomorphic to any nonsingleton well-ordered set with a largest element of any of those cardinalities, provided its largest element is strictly join-irreducible in the case of bounded lattice-ordered algebras and, in the case of antiortholattices with at least 3 distinct elements, provided that the predecessor of the largest element of that well-ordered set is strictly join{irreducible, as well; of course, various constructions can be applied to these algebras to obtain congruence lattices with different structures without changing the cardinalities in question. We point out sufficient conditions for analogous results to hold in an arbitrary variety.
Using in-situ environmental DNA sampling to detect the invasive New Zealand Mud Snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) in freshwaters
Authors: Ponce Jake J. , Arismendi Ivan , Thomas Austen
Published: August 2021

Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection of aquatic invasive species is currently at the forefront of aquatic conservation efforts because the methodology provides a cost effective and sensitive means to detect animals at low densities. Developments in eDNA technologies have improved detection probabilities for rare, indicator, and invasive species over the past decade. However, standard lab analysis can take days or weeks before results are available and is prohibitive when rapid management decisions are required for mitigation. Here, we investigated the performance of a real-time quantitative PCR system for on-site eDNA detection of New Zealand mud snails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). Six sites in western Washington, USA were sampled using the rapid eDNA technique and traditional methods, with five samples per site. On-site eDNA detection of mud snails resulted in a 10% increase in positive sites (16/30 = 53% positive) relative to visual surveys (13/30 = 43% positive). In addition, positive associations were observed between mud snail eDNA concentration (eDNA copies per reaction) and the number of mud snail individuals at each site (R2 = 0.78). We show that the rapid on-site eDNA technology can be effective for detection and quantification of New Zealand mud snails in freshwaters. This on-site eDNA detection approach could possibly be used to initiate management protocols that allow for more rapid responses during the onset of biological invasions.
Determinismo tecnológico e o mito da neutralidade: reflexões sobre os desafios na economia solidária e na tecnologia social brasileira
Authors: Nascimento Daniel Teotonio do , Benini Elcio Gustavo , Petean Gustavo Henrique
Published: August 2021

Neste ensaio refletiu-se sobre o desenvolvimento da técnica e da tecnologia, recorrendo às categorias do ʽdeterminismo tecnológicoʼ e da ʽneutralidade tecnológicaʼ. Analisou-se os principais desafios e efeitos práticos negativos para a efetivação da Economia Solidária e da Tecnologia Social, considerando um desenvolvimento tecnológico marcado pela supervalorização da heterogestão e das tecnologias convencionais. Verificou-se que no Brasil há um determinismo estatal burocrático, devido à passividade, especialmente do Estado, em institucionalizar legalmente a Economia Solidária e a Tecnologia Social. Posteriormente elaborou-se as seguintes propostas para potencializar essas formas organizacionais alternativas, (i) aprovação os Projetos de Lei em tramitação; (ii) transformação das políticas de Governos em políticas de Estado; (iii) paridade na repartição dos subsídios entre as Tecnologias Convencionais e as Tecnologias Sociais; (iv) divulgação das externalidades positivas produzidas pelos projetos de Economia Solidária e de Tecnologia Social; (v) inserção de acadêmicos nos Empreendimentos Econômicos Solidários
A cadeia de suprimentos da indústria têxtil: compreendendo o arranjo e a sua inserção no campo da Administração
Authors: Silva Fernanda Costa , Araújo Uajará Pessoa , Silva Lúcia Andréa Costa
Published: August 2021

O objetivo deste artigo foi compreender a cadeia de suprimentos da indústria têxtil e, de forma complementar: i) verificar as principais temáticas e teorias organizacionais que estão sendo aplicadas nos trabalhos acadêmicos, do campo da administração, sobre a indústria têxtil e a sua cadeia de suprimentos; ii) apontar trabalhos que tratam de iniciativas e estratégias de engajamento socioambiental do arranjo. Realizou-se uma pesquisa em formato “estado da arte” com a apreciação de 141 artigos científicos; 15 localizados no portal de periódicos Capes e 126 localizados diretamente nas páginas eletrônicas dos periódicos da área “Administração Pública e de Empresas, Ciências Contábeis e Turismo”, mais relevantes junto a Capes. A análise se concentrou na descrição da cadeia, na verificação de temas e teorias organizacionais aplicados para a compreensão do arranjo e na identificação de iniciativas de engajamento socioambiental. Após a análise, concluiu-se que foi possível entender a cadeia de suprimentos da indústria têxtil e apontar os temas/teorias organizacionais mais abordados na área analisada. As iniciativas socioambientais no arranjo foram evidenciadas, mas percebeu-se uma grande lacuna para pesquisas que podem envolver toda ou parte da cadeia do setor têxtil, ampliando a discussão dessa temática no campo da Administração.
A catalogue of the motion picture films of the Thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus).
Authors: Sleightholme Stephen R. , Campbell Cameron R.
Published: August 2021

As a companion to the Thylacine Image Registry (Sleightholme & Campbell, 2021), the authors present the first comprehensive catalogue of the thirteen known motion picture films of the Thylacine or Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus). The films date from 1911 to 1935, are all black and white, and range from 5 to 59 seconds in duration. The authors provide detail on the content and history behind each of the films, the cinematographers responsible for their creation, the locations in which they were filmed, and the identity, or probable identity, of each of the Thylacines shown.
Increasing Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Productivity and Farmer’s Income through the Implementation of Modified Double Rows Planting System
Authors: Asnawi Robet , Arief Ratna W. , Slameto . , Tambunan Reny D. , Martias . , Mejaya Made J. , Fitriani .
Published: August 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity in Indonesia is leveling off. The study aims to determine the effect of the Jejer Manten double rows modified planting system on the growth, productivity, and economic feasibility of the rice farming system. The study was conducted in Lampung Province, Indonesia from 2016 to 2018. The study was arranged using a split-plot design with 3 replications. The treatment consisted of two factors namely: planting system (S1 = Jajar Tegel, S2 = Jajar Legowo double rows 2:1, and S3 = Jejer Manten double rows modification) and rice varieties (V1 = Ciherang; V2 = Inpari 10).The results of the study showed that the Jejer Manten planting system produced higher growth and productivity than Jajar Tegel and Jajar Legowo planting system. During the three years of research, the application of the Jejer Manten planting system increased productivity by 6.04-32.27% compared to Jajar Tegel and 13.78-28.92% compared to the Jajar Legowo planting system. Economically, based on the analysis of marginal benefit-cost ratio (MBCR), the application of the Jejer Manten planting system was more feasible than the Jajar Tegel planting system (MBCR = 6.32) and Jajar Legowo planting system (MBCR = 8.18). Based on these results, it is recommended to apply the Jejer Manten planting system as a new technology to increase rice production and support of food self-sufficiency program of Indonesia.
Removal of Arsenic from Simulated Groundwater using Calcined Shale as the Adsorbent
Authors: Koua-Koffi N’Da Akoua Alice , Coulibaly Lassina Sandotin , Sangare Drissa , Coulibaly Lacina
Published: August 2021

Well water intended for human consumption in the Akouédo area (Ivory Coast) contained arsenic at a concentration average above 0.01 mg/L, WHO guideline value. The shale was used as an adsorbent for the removal of arsenic from these waters. This shale was collected in Lomo Nord in Ivory Coast, washed then dried at a temperature of 60°C and finally calcined in an oven at several temperatures: 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C and 700°C. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal analysis (TGA-DSC) were used to characterize the fraction of uncalcined and calcined shale powder. Batch mode tests were performed with water containing arsenic in order to study the influence of contact time, initial concentration and pH on the adsorption of arsenic on calcined shale. The results showed that shale calcined at 300°C could remove 99.41% of arsenic in water. The treated water meets the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for drinking water. Regarding the kinetic data, 0.034 mg/g of arsenic was adsorbed on the calcined shale within 7 hours. At pH 8, the maximum reduction rate was estimated up to 96%. The pseudo-second order model is the most appropriate of all the models applied to describe the kinetic data. This study shows that slate shale calcined at 300°C could be used as a low cost adsorbent to remove arsenic from Akouédo well water for consumption.
The Prevalence of Cesarean Scar Niche and Its Relation to Certain Gynecological and Obstetrical Issues
Authors: AlRassad Mazen Mohammed , ElNamoury Mohammed Mohsen , Omar Mona Khaled , Abdallah Manal Mostafa
Published: August 2021

Background: A cesarean section (CS) is a life-saving surgical procedure when certain complications arise during pregnancy and labor. However, it is a major surgery and is associated with immediate maternal and perinatal risks and may have implications for future pregnancies as well as long-term effects that are still being investigated. This study aims at determining the prevalence of isthmocele (niche) among those who gave birth through Cesarean section, and figure out how many of the women diagnosed with scar niche are symptomatic.

Methods: This observational cross-sectional study involved 300 women who gave birth by CS at the latest 6 months and they were recruited from the outpatient clinics of obstetrics and gynecology department, Tanta university hospital.

Results: The prevalence of the niche was 21.7%. And the most common shapes of niche documented were the semicircular defects followed by the triangular defects. The majority of cases were symptomatic while only 7.7% were asymptomatic and discovered accidentally by routine ultrasound examination. The most common symptoms documented were abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and secondary infertility. There was a positive significant relationship between the number of CS, the size of the niche, and the severity or frequency of the presenting symptom (P value < 0.01).

Conclusion: Cesarean scar niche has a strong statistically significant association with symptoms such as AUB (especially inter-menstrual bleeding), chronic pelvic pain, and dysmenorrhea. In our study, the prevalence of cesarean niche was 21.7% and the common niche shapes documented were the semicircular and triangular niches.
Application of 3D Technologies in Surgery on the Example of Liver Echinococcosis
Authors: Tatamov Arslan Ayavovich , Boraeva Tatiana Temirbolatovna , Revazova Asya Bekovna , Alibegova Aminat Shamilovna , Dzhanaralieva Khedi Mairbekovna , Tetueva Aida Rasulovna , Yakubova Luiza Askhabovna , Tsoma Marina Vitalevna , Mishvelov Artem Evgenevich , Povetkin Sergey Nikolaevich
Published: August 2021

Preoperative assessment of an echinococcal liver cyst with surrounding tissue structures is extremely important for planning the course of surgical intervention. The paper presents the first experience of treating a patient with a parasitic cyst using three-dimensional reconstruction of the liver affected by echinococcus at the preoperative stage. The use of this approach made it possible to avoid the development of intraoperative complications and get a good treatment result.
Isolation and Use of Bacillus thuringiensis for the Production of Bio-Insecticide in Control of Mosquito Larvae
Authors: Ibiene A. A. , Lawson S. D. , Stella E. O. , Amos F. E. , Nnodim L. , Uzah G. A.
Published: August 2021

Bacillus thuringiensis is a widely studied bacterium and it is known for its use in pest management. It is selectively active on pests and less likely to cause resistance; hence it is considered a suitable replacement to chemical pesticides. The study assessed the potential of Bacillus thuringiensis in controlling mosquito larvae. Bacillus thuringiensis isolates selected were tested against secondary stage larvae of mosquito. Thirty-six larvae (6 each) were transferred into each test tubes (7 x 9) cm with 30ml sterile distilled water. The stock suspension of cultures of Bacillus thuringiensis in broth was diluted to 107, 106, 10 5, 104, 103 and 102 in sterile water, following the McFarland standard method for microbial load count. The test tubes were kept at room temperature, larval mortality was observed over time within 24hrs. The results showed that all mosquito larvae died at the 107 and 106 dilutions but at dilutions 105, 104 and 103 though affecting mosquito larvae, it was highly dependent on time because there was a decrease in concentration. The study showed that B. thuringiensis is safe for use in aquatic environments, including drinking-water reservoirs, for the control of mosquito, black fly and nuisance insect larvae. The products should contain the ICPs and be free from other microorganisms and biologically active metabolites.
Selective Degradation of PD‐L1 in Cancer Cells by Enzyme‐Instructed Self‐Assembly
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Li Xinxin , Zheng Debin , Chen Yumiao , Zhang Zhenghao , Yang Zhimou
Published: August 2021

Here, a novel strategy to selectively degrade membrane proteins of programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) in cancer cells is reported. 4T1 cells show high levels of extracellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and membrane proteins of PD‐L1. Therefore, peptide derivatives capable of responding to ALP and binding to PD‐L1 are designed. Enzyme‐instructed self‐assembly (EISA) by ALP and surface‐induced self‐assembly by PD‐L1 of Comp. 3 leads to the selective formation of nanomaterials around PD‐L1 on the cell membrane, which is similar to attaching a hydrophobic label to the surface of PD‐L1 to simulate its partial denaturation state. When taken up by cells, PD‐L1 could be further degraded by the proteasome pathway in the cytoplasm. This process does not occur in the normal cell line, LO2 cells, which express relatively low levels of ALP. In addition to concentration and time dependence, the selective knock‐out of PD‐L1 by the strategy is reversible by simply removing Comp. 3. In vivo studies reveal that Comp. 3 inhibits tumor growth in a tumor‐bearing mouse model. The study offers a novel platform for the precise degradation of membrane proteins using EISA, which might ultimately lead to the development of novel nanomedicines to treat diseases.
Hot‐Casting Boosts Efficiency of Halogen‐Free Solvent Processed Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Du Baocai , Ma Yunlong , Guo Chuanhang , Cai Jinlong , Li Donghui , Cheng Shili , Liu Dan , Zheng Qingdong , Wang Tao
Published: August 2021

Despite the substantial climb of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs), the majority of processing solvent remains halogenated and stand as a critical issue for commercialization. Herein, a halogen‐free solvent system consisting of toluene (Tol) and 1‐phenylnaphthalene (PN) is used to replace the traditional halogenated chloroform (CF) and1‐chloronaphthalene (CN) for the processing of the PM6:M36 OSC, reducing the maximum PCE from 15.0% to 13.3%. Hot‐casting is demonstrated to boost the maximum PCE of halogen‐free solvents processed OSCs back to 15.2%. The preheated substrate fastens the evaporation of Tol and enables similar film‐forming kinetics to CF, resulting in the inhibition of immoderate molecular aggregation and excessive phase separation. Ternary OSCs, with either another donor or acceptor as the third component, can further improve device PCE to 15.8%, confirming the versatile photovoltaic systems that this hot‐casting method can be applied to. Encouragingly, the hot‐casting processed binary and ternary OSCs also exhibit retained storage stability. Therefore, hot‐casting is demonstrated as a superior strategy to fabricate OSCs without efficiency and stability loss using halogen‐free solvents.
Unique bioactive molecule composition of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) oils obtained from the peel, pulp, and seeds via physical “solvent‐free” approaches
Authors: Segliņa Dalija , Krasnova Inta , Grygier Anna , Radziejewska‐Kubzdela Elżbieta , Rudzińska Magdalena , Górnaś Paweł
Published: August 2021

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a highly valuable plant with bioactive compounds widely used in food, medicinal, and pharmaceutical industry. During sea buckthorn berry processing into juice, byproducts from the juice, peels, and seeds are generated. Hence, in this study three types of oils (pulp, seed, and peel oil) were obtained via the use of physical “green” technologies. The pulp oil was obtained by a milk separator, while seed and peel oils were extracted by a cold‐press. The extracted oils were then subjected to assays that determined their detailed profiles of triacylglycerols, fatty acids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, sterols, and phenolic compounds. The peel oil was a significantly richer source of bioactive compounds compared to both the pulp and seed oils. With respect to the lipid profile, the peel oil was similar compared to the pulp oil. The peel oil also had a slightly lower content of sterols in comparison to seed oil and was the only oil fraction that had considerable levels of squalene present. The concentration ranges of the minor molecules detected are as follows: 100.0–273.6, 427.4–575.0, 0–402.4, 0.9–72.0, 0.9–15.6 mg/100 g oil of tocochromanols, sterols, squalene, carotenoids, and flavonols, respectively.
A fully integrated undergraduate introductory biology and chemistry course with a community‐based focus I: Vision, design, implementation, and development
Authors: Beers Melissa A. , Hall Mona L. , Matthews Adam G. W. , Elmore Donald E. , Oakes Elizabeth S. C. , Goss John W. , Radhakrishnan Mala L.
Published: August 2021

We describe a first‐semester, integrated, introductory biology and chemistry course for undergraduates at Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA, USA. Our vision was to create a supportive learning community in which students could comfortably make connections between scientific disciplines as they learned necessary content for subsequent courses, further developed problem solving, communication, and laboratory skills, and meaningfully connected with other students and with faculty during their first semester in college. Through highlighting five guiding principles that are central to the course, we describe the integrated course structure and content as well as our efforts to build community, provide support, and engage students in building skills crucial to scientists. We also highlight features of this course and institutional policies that facilitated its logistical and collaborative implementation that can be adapted to fit the needs, goals, and constraints of a diverse range of institutions. A companion article describes an assessment of our course in achieving academic and community building goals.
Ambiguous “olfactory” terms for anatomic spaces adjacent to the cribriform plate: A publication database analysis and quest for uniformity
Authors: Bates Nicholas S. , Massoud Tarik F.
Published: August 2021

A precise nomenclature and terminology is the foundation of communication in Anatomy and related biomedical sciences. The olfactory bulbs and nerves lie above and below the cribriform plate (CP), respectively. Hence, many anatomical landmarks in this region have names adopting the term “olfactory” as qualifiers. Ambiguous use of these “olfactory” terms exists, with some potential repercussions on patient treatments. We performed a publication database analysis to determine the frequency of misuse of names for seven anatomical “olfactory” spaces close to the CP and nasal cavity. We searched PubMed® publications having the keyword “olfactory” in their title or abstract, plus one of seven other keywords: “groove”, “fossa”, “recess”, “cleft”, “vestibule”, “sulcus”, and “cistern”. We reviewed all abstracts for accuracy of these terms relative to accepted norms or customary definitions. By February 2020, we found all these keywords in 1255 articles. For the terms olfactory “groove” and “fossa”, the number of relevant articles (and percentage of those inaccurately using these terms) were 374 (1.1%), and 49 (8.2%), respectively. All 52 abstracts containing “olfactory” and “vestibule” were irrelevant, relating to the “nasal vestibule” and olfactory function, instead of “olfactory vestibule”. Overall, terms used to describe “olfactory” spaces near the CP are seldom ambiguous or inaccurate, but the terms olfactory “groove” and “fossa” are occasionally misused, We propose several new “olfactory” terms for inclusion in the Terminologia Anatomica, and stress the need for uniform nomenclature leading to greater consistency and accuracy in clinical use of anatomical terms containing the word “olfactory” as a descriptor.
Plant wax biomarkers in human evolutionary studies
Authors: Patalano Robert , Roberts Patrick , Boivin Nicole , Petraglia Michael D. , Mercader Julio
Published: August 2021

Plant wax biomarkers are an innovative proxy for reconstructing vegetation composition and structure, rainfall intensity, temperature, and other climatic and environmental dynamics. Traditionally used in earth sciences and climate studies from “off‐site” ocean and lake records, biomarker research is now incorporated in archeology and paleoanthropology to answer questions relating to past human‐environment interactions and human evolution. Biomarker research is generating new and exciting information on the ecological context in which Homo and its closest relatives evolved, adapted, and invented stone tool technologies. In this review, we examine plant wax biomarkers and their use in reconstructing past plant landscapes and hydroclimates. We summarize the applications of plant wax molecular proxies in archeological research, assess challenges relating to taphonomy, consider the role of modern plant ecosystems in interpreting ancient habitats, and examine case studies conducted at key paleoanthropological locations in eastern and southern Africa and Europe.
Thermodynamic optimization of Stirling heat engine with methane gas using finite speed thermodynamic model
Authors: Mansuriya Kiran , Raja Bansi D. , Yıldız Ali R. , Mudgal Anurag , Patel Vivek K.
Published: August 2021

With the daily rise in environmental issues due to the use of conventional fuels, researchers are motivated to use renewable energy sources. One of such waste heat and low‐temperature differential driven energy sources is the Stirling engine. The performance of the Stirling engine can be improved by finding out the optimum operating and geometrical parameters with suitable working gas and thermal model. Based on this motivation, the current work focuses on the multiobjective optimization of the Stirling engine using the finite speed thermodynamic model and methane gas as the working fluid. Considering output power and pressure drop as two objective functions, the system is optimized using 11 geometrical and thermal design parameters. The optimization results are obtained in the form of the Pareto frontier. A sensitivity assessment is carried out to observe the decision variables, which are having a more sensitive effect on the optimization objectives. Optimization results reveal that 99.83% change in power output and 78% change in total pressure drop can take place in the two‐dimensional optimization space. The optimal solution closest to the ideal solution has output power and pressure drop values as 12.31 kW and 22.76 kPa, respectively.
Pore‐Size Distribution and Frequency‐Dependent Attenuation in Human Cortical Tibia Bone Discriminate Fragility Fractures in Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Armbrecht Gabriele , Nguyen Minh Huong , Massmann Jonas , Raum Kay
Published: August 2021

Osteoporosis is a disorder of bone remodeling leading to reduced bone mass, structural deterioration, and increased bone fragility. The established diagnosis is based on the measurement of areal bone mineral density by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), which poorly captures individual bone loss and structural decay. Enlarged cortical pores in the tibia have been proposed to indicate structural deterioration and reduced bone strength in the hip. Here, we report for the first time the in vivo assessment of the cortical pore‐size distribution together with frequency‐dependent attenuation at the anteromedial tibia midshaft by means of a novel ultrasonic cortical backscatter (CortBS) technology. We hypothesized that the CortBS parameters are associated with the occurrence of fragility fractures in postmenopausal women (n = 55). The discrimination performance was compared with those of DXA and high‐resolution peripheral computed tomography (HR‐pQCT). The results suggest a superior discrimination performance of CortBS (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.69 ≤ AUC ≤ 0.75) compared with DXA (0.54 ≤ AUC ≤ 0.55) and a similar performance compared with HR‐pQCT (0.66 ≤ AUC ≤ 0.73). CortBS is the first quantitative bone imaging modality that can quantify microstructural tissue deteriorations in cortical bone, which occur during normal aging and the development of osteoporosis. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A novel strategy for efficient expression of an antibody fragment in Escherichia coli: ranibizumab as a case study
Authors: Priyanka Priyanka , Rathore Anurag S
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Complex biotherapeutics such as non‐glycosylated antibody fragments can be easily manufactured in Escherichia coli due to advancements in recombinant DNA technology. Ranibizumab is one such example of a complex, non‐glycosylated protein used to treat age‐related macular degeneration and macular oedema. Ranibizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody fragment, is often expressed as inclusion bodies using the E. coli expression system. In this study, we propose a novel strategy for achieving efficient expression of antibody fragments in E. coli BL21 (DE3). Here, the whole antibody fragment (heavy chain + light chain of ranibizumab) has been engineered and cloned in a pET series vector under single promoter belonging to a prokaryotic host along with an extra ribosome binding site to allow equal expression of the light and heavy chains.

RESULTS

We demonstrate heterologous expression of ranibizumab with a protein concentration of 0.4 ± 0.019 mg mL–1, confirmed using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with the double copy clone. The reduced and refolded antibody fragment have been analytically characterized using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, where masses of the in‐house clone were in correspondence with marketed product. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses were performed to confirm the formation of purified and active recombinant product. Binding kinetics to the target analyte vascular endothelial growth factor of refolded in‐house product was found to be similar to the marketed product as per SPR (12.7 nmol L−1 vs. 10.4 nmol L−1).

CONCLUSION

Cloning and process optimization have been performed to enhance expression yield. The proposed strategy offers an efficient approach for enhanced production of antibody fragments in microbial hosts. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Photoelastic characterization of shear‐bands in mechanically stretched polymeric fibers
Authors: Sokkar Taha Z. N. , El‐Bakary Mohammed A. , Azam Amira A. S. , Hamza Ahmed A.
Published: August 2021

In this work, the shear bands formed during the stretching of isotactic polypropylene fibers are studied. The digital photoelasticity technique is applied to provide full‐field visualization of the stress of the shear bands regions. The mechanical testing device is modified to be suitable for mechanical measurements. The effect of different parameters, that is, the stretching rates and the ambient temperature on the formation of shear bands is investigated. Finally, the influence of heating pre‐existed shear bands is studied. Photoelastic patterns of the shear bands at these conditions are included for illustration.
Following NCCN guidelines within one hospital system in the United States: Comparison between cancer centers and genetic counselor utilization
Authors: Powell Karen , Rakestraw Jonathan , Gupta Sat , Shou Wenhao , Lee Kyung , Leitner Ofri
Published: August 2021

Genetic testing is an instrumental tool used to determine whether an individual has a predisposition to certain cancers. Knowing of a hereditary cancer predisposition may allow a patient and their family to consider high‐risk screening or risk‐reducing options. Genetic counselors work with physicians to identify patients at increased risk for genetic testing using available guidelines such as those provided by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Information within one hospital system's cancer registry was used to identify individuals who qualify for genetic testing. This includes patients with a history of cancer of the breast (diagnosis ≤45, triple negative (TN) ≤60, and male), ovaries, colon (diagnosis ≤50), or uterus (diagnosis ≤50). Within this hospital system's registry, there are six cancer centers. Data were collected from cancer centers that utilized genetic counselors (GCs), and cancer centers that did not (non‐GC) to determine whether there was a difference in genetic testing rates between GC and non‐GC cancer centers. An analysis of 695 patients demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of eligible patients undergoing genetic testing at the GC cancer centers than at the non‐GC cancer centers (91.6% versus 68.7%, p < .001). Further analysis of specific cancers showed a significantly higher uptake of genetic testing for eligible patients with colon cancer (90.8% versus 50%, p < .001), breast cancer ≤45 (99.5% versus 86%, p < .001), and ovarian cancer (91.3% versus 62.8%, p < .001) at the GC cancer centers than at the non‐GC cancer centers. There was no significant difference in the proportion of testing of TN breast cancer ≤60 or uterine cancer ≤50 between cancer centers. These data suggest that having a GC working within a cancer center increases the ability to identify and offer testing to patients who meet NCCN genetic testing criteria based on their cancer type.
Delayed Diagnosis of Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Berges Alexandra J. , Lina Ioan A. , Chen Lena , Ospino Rafael , Davis Ruth , Hillel Alexander T.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) is a rare disease, causing life‐threatening dyspnea secondary to scarring. Perhaps because it is rarely encountered, there is often a delay in diagnosing iSGS. The objective of this study is to characterize diagnostic delay of iSGS, factors that prolong delay, and its impact on iSGS patients.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 124 iSGS patients was performed. Times of symptom onset, presentation to otolaryngologist, diagnosis, imaging, pulmonary function testing (PFTs), surgeries, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations were recorded and univariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for delay.

Results

The median total time to diagnosis from symptom onset was 24.5 months, with time to first presentation of 6.3 months and healthcare delay of 17.8 months. 54.8% of patients were diagnosed with asthma. Earlier presentation to otolaryngologist was associated with shorter healthcare delay and total time to diagnosis (rho = 0.75, rho = 0.99, P < .0001). Earlier CT imaging was correlated to shorter healthcare delay (rho = 0.84, P < .0001) and total time to diagnosis (rho = 0.74, P < .001), while earlier PFTs were correlated to shorter total time to diagnosis alone (rho = 0.71, P = .01). During evaluation, 10.5% (n = 17/124) of patients had ED visits and 13.7% (n = 13/124) patients were hospitalized. Before diagnosis, 7% (9/124) of patients underwent surgeries (including 3% (n = 4) undergoing tracheostomy) and 8% (n = 10) of patients required unplanned urgent endoscopic surgery that may have been avoided with earlier diagnosis.

Conclusion

iSGS diagnosis is frequently delayed, resulting in additional surgeries (including tracheostomy), ED visits, and hospitalizations. Further, patients' symptoms are commonly attributed to asthma. Earlier otolaryngologist evaluation, PFTs, and CT imaging may expedite iSGS diagnosis.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:413–418, 2022