bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Third-harmonic light polarization control in magnetically resonant silicon metasurfaces
Authors: Tognazzi Andrea , Okhlopkov Kirill I. , Zilli Attilio , Rocco Davide , Fagiani Luca , Mafakheri Erfan , Bollani Monica , Finazzi Marco , Celebrano Michele , Shcherbakov Maxim R. , Fedyanin Andrey A. , De Angelis Costantino
Published: February 2021

Nonlinear metasurfaces have become prominent tools for controlling and engineering light at the nanoscale. Usually, the polarization of the total generated third harmonic is studied. However, diffraction orders may present different polarizations. Here, we design an high quality factor silicon metasurface for third harmonic generation and perform back focal plane imaging of the diffraction orders, which present a rich variety of polarization states. Our results demonstrate the possibility of tailoring the polarization of the generated nonlinear diffraction orders paving the way to a higher degree of wavefront control.
Optimization of location, power allocation and orientation for lighting lamps in a visible light communication system using the firefly algorithm
Authors: Wei Zhengyuan , Hu Haiying , Huang Huamao
Published: February 2021

To optimize the uniformity of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) distribution in a visible light communication (VLC) system, the firefly algorithm is improved for joint optimization of location, power allocation and orientation of a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp array. Taking 16 LED lamps as an example, optimizations with a different number of degrees-of-freedom (DOF) are investigated. The orientation-involved optimizations significantly decrease average SNR and average illuminance. However, if the average illuminance is restricted to a large value, the effects of the orientation DOF would be small. With the restriction of illuminance, the optimization with all the three DOFs gives an improvement of 4.18 times in SNR uniformity, compared to the typical square-circle layout. The optimizations are further studied by varying the number of LED lamps.
Manipulating multipole resonances in spoof localized surface plasmons for wideband filtering
Authors: Shen Yizhu , Chen Na , Dong Guoqing , Hu Sanming
Published: February 2021

The spoof localized surface plasmon (LSP) has been widely investigated but mostly with fixed multipole resonances. This Letter proposes a method to generate multipole resonances by adding a slit on the metallic ring of a complementary LSP. This slit theoretically introduces two new boundary conditions and new modes. To validate this approach, complementary LSPs with and without slits at three different angular positions are theoretically analyzed and numerically simulated. To validate and demonstrate the potential application of the proposed LSP structure, a bandpass filter (BPF) in a single-layer substrate is designed and measured by exciting the LSP with a slit on the metallic ring. The measured results show that by simply adding a slit, the BPF achieves a fractional bandwidth of 42.7% (2.5 GHz), for both

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within 1 dB variation. In the passband, a flat group delay between 0.57 ns and 0.75 ns is obtained. Moreover, the proposed structure features a low profile and a compact radius of 0.136 wavelength. By dynamically controlling slit/slits with varactors or diodes, the proposed structure is theoretically promising to be reconfigurable at microwave and even terahertz frequencies.
Compact and adjustable compensator for AOD spatial and temporal dispersion using off-the-shelf components
Authors: Yamaguchi Akihiro , Karagyozov Doycho , Gershow Marc H.
Published: February 2021

Random access multiphoton microscopy using two orthogonal acousto-optic deflectors (AODs) allows sampling only particular regions of interest within a plane, greatly speeding up the sampling rate. AODs introduce spatial and temporal dispersions, which distort the point spread function and decrease the peak intensity of the pulse. Both of these effects can be compensated for with a single dispersive element placed a distance before the AODs. An additional acousto-optic modulator, a custom cut prism, and a standard prism used with additional cylindrical optics have been demonstrated. All of these introduce additional cost or complexity and require an extended path length to achieve the needed negative group delay dispersion (GDD). By introducing a telescope between a transmission grating and the AODs, we correct for spatial and temporal dispersions in a compact design using only off-the-shelf components, and we show that the GDD can be tuned by translation of the telescope without adjustment of any other elements.
Measurement of group refractive indices of glass using a color-selective multi-pulse generated with a spatial light modulator
Authors: Takahashi Hisanari , Watanabe Koyo , Shigematsu Kyohhei , Inoue Takashi , Satozono Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

We demonstrate a method of measuring group refractive indices (

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) by using only a temporal waveform of a color-selective multi-pulse (CSMP) generated with a spatial-light-modulator-based optical pulse shaper. Each pulse of the CSMP is characterized by different spectral components. Thus,

n

g

of a sample can be estimated by calculating the group delay of the spectrally different pulses in the CSMP after passing through the sample. As a proof-of-concept, we measured

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g

of a glass plate by using a CSMP. We confirmed that the measured

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g

values were in agreement with those derived from Sellmeier’s formula with an accuracy on the order of

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Integrated information structure collapses with anesthetic loss of conscious arousal in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Leung Angus , Cohen Dror , van Swinderen Bruno , Tsuchiya Naotsugu
Published: February 2021

The physical basis of consciousness remains one of the most elusive concepts in current science. One influential conjecture is that consciousness is to do with some form of causality, measurable through information. The integrated information theory of consciousness (IIT) proposes that conscious experience, filled with rich and specific content, corresponds directly to a hierarchically organised, irreducible pattern of causal interactions; i.e. an integrated informational structure among elements of a system. Here, we tested this conjecture in a simple biological system (fruit flies), estimating the information structure of the system during wakefulness and general anesthesia. Consistent with this conjecture, we found that integrated interactions among populations of neurons during wakefulness collapsed to isolated clusters of interactions during anesthesia. We used classification analysis to quantify the accuracy of discrimination between wakeful and anesthetised states, and found that informational structures inferred conscious states with greater accuracy than a scalar summary of the structure, a measure which is generally championed as the main measure of IIT. In stark contrast to a view which assumes feedforward architecture for insect brains, especially fly visual systems, we found rich information structures, which cannot arise from purely feedforward systems, occurred across the fly brain. Further, these information structures collapsed uniformly across the brain during anesthesia. Our results speak to the potential utility of the novel concept of an “informational structure” as a measure for level of consciousness, above and beyond simple scalar values.
yama, a mutant allele of Mov10l1, disrupts retrotransposon silencing and piRNA biogenesis
Authors: Guan Yongjuan , Keeney Scott , Jain Devanshi , Wang P. Jeremy
Published: February 2021

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play critical roles in protecting germline genome integrity and promoting normal spermiogenic differentiation. In mammals, there are two populations of piRNAs: pre-pachytene and pachytene. Transposon-rich pre-pachytene piRNAs are expressed in fetal and perinatal germ cells and are required for retrotransposon silencing, whereas transposon-poor pachytene piRNAs are expressed in spermatocytes and round spermatids and regulate mRNA transcript levels. MOV10L1, a germ cell-specific RNA helicase, is essential for the production of both populations of piRNAs. Although the requirement of the RNA helicase domain located in the MOV10L1 C-terminal region for piRNA biogenesis is well known, its large N-terminal region remains mysterious. Here we report a novel Mov10l1 mutation, named yama, in the Mov10l1 N-terminal region. The yama mutation results in a single amino acid substitution V229E. The yama mutation causes meiotic arrest, de-repression of transposable elements, and male sterility because of defects in pre-pachytene piRNA biogenesis. Moreover, restricting the Mov10l1 mutation effects to later stages in germ cell development by combining with a postnatal conditional deletion of a complementing wild-type allele causes absence of pachytene piRNAs, accumulation of piRNA precursors, polar conglomeration of piRNA pathway proteins in spermatocytes, and spermiogenic arrest. Mechanistically, the V229E substitution in MOV10L1 reduces its interaction with PLD6, an endonuclease that generates the 5′ ends of piRNA intermediates. Our results uncover an important role for the MOV10L1-PLD6 interaction in piRNA biogenesis throughout male germ cell development.
Exploring determinants of hydrocele surgery coverage related to Lymphatic Filariasis in Nepal: An implementation research study
Authors: Lama Yonzon Choden , Padmawati Retna Siwi , Subedi Raj Kumar , Paudel Sagun , Ghimire Ashmita , Murhandarwati Elsa Herdiana
Published: February 2021

Background

Hydrocele is a chronic condition in males in which there is an excessive collection of straw-colored fluid, which leads to enlargement of the scrotum. It is a common manifestation of lymphatic filariasis (LF) affecting nearly 25 million men worldwide. Surgery is the recommended treatment for hydrocele and is available free of cost in all government hospitals in Nepal. This research explored patient, provider, and community factors related to accessing hydrocele surgery services by the patients.

Methods

This study employed a qualitative method. The research was conducted in two LF endemic districts, namely Kanchanpur and Dhading, which are reported to have the highest number of hydrocele cases during morbidity mapping conducted in 2016. In addition to five key informant interviews with the LF focal persons (one national and 4 district-level), nine in-depth interviews were conducted with hydrocele patients (5 of whom had undergone surgery and 4 who had not undergone surgery) and with 3 family members, and two focus group discussions with the female community health volunteers.

Results

Most of the respondents did not have knowledge of hydrocele as one of the clinical manifestations of LF nor that it is transmitted through a mosquito bite. Although perceived as treatable with surgery, most of the patients interviewed believed in as well as practiced home remedies. Meanwhile, fear of surgery, embarrassment, lack of money, along with no knowledge of the free hydrocele surgery acted as barriers for accessing the surgery. On the other hand, financial support, flexible guidelines enabling the hospital to conduct surgery, decentralization and scaling up of morbidity mapping along with free hydrocele surgery camps in any remaining endemic districts were identified as enablers for accessing surgery.

Conclusion

Hydrocele surgery coverage could be improved if the program further addresses community awareness. There is a need for more focus on information dissemination about hydrocele and hydrocele surgery.
High expression of ENPP1 in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma predicts poor prognosis and as a molecular therapy target
Authors: Wang Hanzhi , Ye Feng , Zhou Caiyun , Cheng Qi , Chen Huaizeng
Published: February 2021

Recent studies have shown that the expression of ENPP1 is related to differentiation, death, dissemination and chemosensitivity of tumor cells. So far, there is no research in ovarian carcinoma. This study aimed at exploring the role of ENPP1 gene in ovarian carcinoma, the relationship with prognostic indicators and chemotherapy resistance, and investigates the possibility of molecular targeted therapy. The expression of ENPP1 in 41 normal ovarian epithelial tissues, 97 ovarian serous cystadenoma and 103 HGSOC tissues was detected by IHC. In ovarian cancer tissues and ovarian cancer cell lines, mRNA and protein expression of ENPP1 was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The ENPP1 expression was knockdowned by siRNA. Cell proliferation was measured with the BrdU Cell Proliferation ELISA. Cell migration and invasion were detected by Wound-Healing, Transwell migration and Matrigel invasion assay. Caspase 3 activity was determined by the CaspACE. The expression of EMT markers such as E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin was measured, and the expression of PCNA and MMP9 was also be detected. The results showed that the expression of ENPP1 was significantly increased in high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma, the number of strong expression was 85.4% (22.3%+63.1%) and only 1.03% (1.03%+0.0%) in serous cystadenoma, but no in normal ovarian epithelium (P< 0.05). And the stronger the expression of ENPP1, the later the FIGO stage and the poorer differentiation of cells (P = 0.001 or <0.001, respectively). However, no correlation was found between the expression of ENPP1 and chemosensitivity. ENPP1 was also highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues and in epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780, CaoV3, OVCAR3, SKOV3 and 3ao). After down-regulation of ENPP1 expression by RNA interference, the cell proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cell decreased significantly, the expression of apoptosis related gene caspase 3 increased significantly, while the expression of PCNA and MMP9 was significantly down regulated. In addition, EMT biological characteristics of A2780 and SKOV3 cells were also inhibited. In summary, the increased expression of ENPP1 may be related to the occurrence of HGSOC, and indicate that the disease progresses rapidly and the prognosis is poor. ENPP1 may be considered as a potential molecular therapeutic target.
Assessment of bone marrow fat fractions in the mandibular condyle head using the iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation (IDEAL-IQ) method
Authors: Jeon Kug Jin , Lee Chena , Choi Yoon Joo , Han Sang-Sun
Published: February 2021

The prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is gradually increasing, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming increasingly common as a modality used to diagnose TMD. Edema and osteonecrosis in the bone marrow of the mandibular condyle have been considered to be precursors of osteoarthritis, but these changes are not evaluated accurately and quantitatively on routine MRI. The iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation (IDEAL-IQ) method, as a cutting-edge MRI technique, can separate fat and water using three asymmetric echo times and the three-point Dixon method. The purpose of this study was to analyze the quantitative fat fraction (FF) in the mandibular condyle head using the IDEAL-IQ method. Seventy-nine people who underwent MRI using IDEAL-IQ were investigated and divided into 1) the control group, without TMD symptoms, and 2) the TMD group, with unilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. In both groups, the FF of the condyle head in the TMJ was analyzed by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists. In the TMD group, 29 people underwent cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the presence or absence of bony changes in the condylar head was evaluated. The FF measurements of the condyle head using IDEAL-IQ showed excellent inter-observer and intra-observer agreement. The average FF of the TMD group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). In the TMD group, the average FF values of joints with pain and joints with bony changes were significantly lower than those of joints without pain or bony changes, respectively (p < 0.05). The FF using IDEAL-IQ in the TMJ can be helpful for the quantitative diagnosis of TMD.
Network study of responses to unusualness and psychological stress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Korea
Authors: Ryu Seunghyong , Park In-Hoo , Kim Mina , Lee Yu-Ri , Lee Jonghun , Kim Honey , Jhon Min , Kim Ju-Wan , Lee Ju-Yeon , Kim Jae-Min , Kim Sung-Wan
Published: February 2021

The dramatic changes in people’s daily lives caused by the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have had a huge impact on their emotions and behaviors. This study aimed to examine psychosocial responses to COVID-19 using network analysis. A total of 1,500 urban residents of South Korea, selected from an online public panel, were surveyed using self-rating questionnaires addressing daily life changes, fear of infection, and distress related to COVID-19. Participants also completed a 10-item Perceived Stress Scale survey. We constructed regularized partial correlation networks, estimated global and local network metrics, tested network accuracy and stability, and compared the estimated networks between men and women. The network of the psychosocial responses consisted of 24 nodes that were classified into five groups: ‘fear of infection’, ‘difficulty with outside activities’, ‘economic loss’, ‘altered eating and sleeping’, and ‘adaptive stress’. The node centralities indicated that ‘distress in obtaining daily necessities’ and ‘concern about harming others’ were the most important issues in people’s responses to COVID-19. These nodes were connected by a negative edge, reflecting individual- and community-level issues, respectively. The overall level of perceived stress was linked to the network by the connection node ‘anger toward others or society’, which was associated with economic problems in men, but with distress from changes in daily activities in women. The results suggest that two contrasting feelings—personal insecurity regarding basic needs and a collectivistic orientation—play roles in the response to unusual experiences and distress due to COVID-19. This study also showed that public anger could arise from the psychological stress under the conditions imposed by COVID-19.
Impella use in real-world cardiogenic shock patients: Sobering outcomes
Authors: Abdullah Khaled Q. A. , Roedler Jana V. , vom Dahl Juergen , Szendey Istvan , Haake Hendrik , Eckardt Lars , Topf Albert , Ohnewein Bernhard , Jirak Peter , Motloch Lukas J. , Wernly Bernhard , Larbig Robert
Published: February 2021

Background

Critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock could benefit from ventricular assist device support using the Impella microaxial blood pump. However, recent studies suggested Impella not to improve outcomes. We, therefore, evaluated outcomes and predictors in a real-world scenario.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center trial, 125 patients suffering from cardiac arrest/cardiogenic shock between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed. 93 Patients had a prior successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The primary endpoint was hospital mortality. Associations of covariates with the primary endpoint were assessed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and optimal cut-offs (using Youden index) were obtained.

Results

Hospital mortality was high (81%). Baseline lactate was 4.7mmol/L [IQR = 7.1mmol/L]. In multivariable logistic regression, only age (aOR 1.13 95%CI 1.06–1.20; p<0.001) and lactate (aOR 1.23 95%CI 1.004–1.516; p = 0.046) were associated with hospital mortality, and the respective optimal cut-offs were >3.3mmol/L and age >66 years.

Patients were retrospectively stratified into three risk groups: Patients aged ≤66 years and lactate ≤3.3mmol (low-risk; n = 22); patients aged >66 years or lactate >3.3mmol/L (medium-risk; n = 52); and patients both aged >66 years and lactate >3.3mmol/L (high-risk, n = 51). Risk of death increased from 41% in the low-risk group, to 79% in the medium risk group and 100% in the high-risk group. The predictive abilities of this model were high (AUC 0.84; 95% 0.77–0.92).

Conclusion

Mortality was high in this real-world collective of severely ill cardiogenic shock patients. Better patient selection is warranted to avoid unethical use of Impella. Age and lactate might help to improve patient selection.
Fluoride release from two types of fluoride-containing orthodontic adhesives: Conventional versus resin-modified glass ionomer cements—An in vitro study
Authors: Dziuk Yasemin , Chhatwani Sachin , Möhlhenrich Stephan C. , Tulka Sabrina , Naumova Ella A. , Danesh Gholamreza
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Development of white spot lesions (WSLs) during orthodontic treatment is a common risk factor. Fixation of the orthodontic appliances with glass ionomer cements could reduce the prevalence of WSL’s due to their fluoride release capacities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences of fluoride release properties from resin-modified and conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs).

Methods

The resin-modified GICs Fuji ORTHO LC (GC Orthodontics), Meron Plus QM (VOCO), as well as the conventional GICs Fuji ORTHO (GC Orthodontics), Meron (VOCO) and Ketac Cem Easymix (3M ESPE) were tested in this study. The different types of GICs were applied to hydroxyapatite discs according to the manufacturer’s instructions and stored in a solution of TISAB III (Total Ionic Strength Adjustment Buffer III) and fluoride-free water at 37°C. Fluoride measurements were made after 5 minutes, 2 hours, 24 hours, 14 days, 28 days, 2 months, 3 months and 6 months. One factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the overall comparison of the cumulative fluoride release (from measurement times of 5 minutes to 6 months) between the different materials with the overall level of significance set to 0.05. Tukey’s post hoc test was used for post hoc pairwise comparisons in the cumulative fluoride release between the different materials.

Results

The cumulative fluoride release (mean ± sd) in descending order was: Fuji ORTHO LC (221.7 ± 10.29 ppm), Fuji ORTHO (191.5 ± 15.03 ppm), Meron Plus QM (173.0 ± 5.89 ppm), Meron (161.3 ± 7.84 ppm) and Ketac Cem Easymix (154.6 ± 6.09 ppm) within 6 months. Analysis of variance detected a significant difference in the cumulative fluoride release between at least two of the materials (rounded p-value < 0.001). Pairwise analysis with Tukey’s post hoc test showed a significant difference in the cumulative fluoride release for all the comparisons except M and MPQM (p = 0.061) and KCE and M (p = 0.517).

Conclusion

Fluoride ions were released cumulatively over the entire test period for all products. When comparing the two products from the same company (Fuji ORTHO LC vs. Fuji ORTHO from GC Orthodontics Europe GmbH and Meron Plus QM vs. Meron from VOCO GmbH, Mannheim, Germany), it can be said that the resin-modified GICs have a higher release than conventional GICs. The highest individual fluoride release of all GICs was at 24 hours. A general statement, whether resin-modified or conventional GICs have a higher release of fluoride cannot be made.
Mitochondrial, lysosomal and DNA damages induced by acrylamide attenuate by ellagic acid in human lymphocyte
Authors: Salimi Ahmad , Baghal Elahe , Ghobadi Hassan , Hashemidanesh Niloufar , Khodaparast Farzad , Seydi Enayatollah
Published: February 2021

Acrylamide (AA), is an important contaminant formed during food processing under high temperature. Due to its potential neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity effects, this food contaminant has been recognized as a human health concern. Previous studies showed that acrylamide-induced toxicity is associated with active metabolite of acrylamide by cytochrome P450 enzyme, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage. In the current study, we investigated the role of oxidative stress in acrylamide’s genotoxicity and therapeutic potential role of ellagic acid (EA) in human lymphocytes. Human lymphocytes were simultaneously treated with different concentrations of EA (10, 25 and 50 μM) and acrylamide (50 μM) for 4 h at 37°C. After 4 hours of incubation, the toxicity parameters such cytotoxicity, ROS formation, oxidized/reduced glutathione (GSH/GSSG) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, lysosomal membrane integrity, mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm) collapse and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were analyzed using biochemical and flow cytometry evaluations. It has been found that acrylamide (50 μM) significantly increased cytotoxicity, ROS formation, GSH oxidation, lipid peroxidation, MMP collapse, lysosomal and DNA damage in human lymphocytes. On the other hand, cotreatment with EA (25 and 50 μM) inhibited AA-induced oxidative stress which subsequently led to decreasing of the cytotoxicity, GSH oxidation, lipid peroxidation, MMP collapse, lysosomal and DNA damage. Together, these results suggest that probably the co-exposure of EA with foods containing acrylamide could decrease mitochondrial, lysosomal and DNA damages, and oxidative stress induced by acrylamide in human body.
Protein intake in inhabitants with regular exercise is associated with sleep quality: Results of the Shika study
Authors: Suzuki Fumihiko , Morita Emi , Miyagi Sakae , Tsujiguchi Hiromasa , Hara Akinori , Nguyen Thao Thi Thu , Shimizu Yukari , Hayashi Koichiro , Suzuki Keita , Kannon Takayuki , Tajima Atsushi , Matsumoto Sumire , Ishihara Asuka , Hori Daisuke , Doki Shotaro , Oi Yuichi , Sasahara Shinichiro , Satoh Makoto , Matsuzaki Ichiyo , Yanagisawa Masashi , Ikaga Toshiharu , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: February 2021

Study objectives

Although associations between sleep quality and environmental factors and nutrient intake have been reported, interactions between these factors have not been elucidated in detail. Therefore, this cross-sectional study examined the effects of regular exercise and nutrient intake on sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which is the most frequently used index for sleep evaluation.

Methods

The participants included 378 individuals aged 40 years or older living in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. Of these individuals, 185 met the inclusion criteria. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing lifestyle habits and frequency and duration of exercise, the PSQI, and the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) on nutrient intake.

Results

A two-way analysis of covariance on regular exercise and PSQI scores indicated that protein intake (17.13% of energy) was significantly higher in the regular exercise and PSQI ≤10 groups than in the non-regular exercise or PSQI ≥11 groups (p = 0.002). In a multiple logistic regression analysis with PSQI scores (≤10 and ≥11), protein intake was a significant independent variable in any of the models adjusted for confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index, current smoker, and current drinker (OR: 1.357, 95% CI: 1.081, 1.704, p = 0.009) in the regular exercise group but not in the non-regular exercise group.Conclusions

We identified a positive relationship between sleep quality and protein intake in the regular exercise group. These findings suggest that regular exercise at least twice a week for 30 minutes or longer combined with high protein intake contributes to good sleep quality.
Cardiac-specific troponins in uncomplicated pregnancy and pre-eclampsia: A systematic review
Authors: Dockree Samuel , Brook Jennifer , Shine Brian , James Tim , Green Lauren , Vatish Manu
Published: February 2021

Background

The risk of myocardial infarction (MI) increases during pregnancy, particularly in women with pre-eclampsia. MI is diagnosed by measuring high blood levels of cardiac-specific troponin (cTn), although this may be elevated in women with pre-eclampsia without MI, which increases diagnostic uncertainty. It is unclear how much cTn is elevated in uncomplicated and complicated pregnancy, which may affect whether the existing reference intervals can be used in pregnant women. Previous reviews have not investigated high-sensitivity troponin in pregnancy, compared to older, less sensitive methods.

Methods

Electronic searches using the terms “troponin I” or “troponin T”, and “pregnancy”, “pregnancy complications” or “obstetrics”. cTn levels were extracted from studies of women with uncomplicated pregnancies or pre-eclampsia.

Results

The search identified ten studies with 1581 women. Eight studies used contemporary methods that may be too insensitive to use reliably in this clinical setting. Two studies used high-sensitivity assays, with one reporting an elevation in troponin I (TnI) in pre-eclampsia compared to uncomplicated pregnancy, and the other only examining women with pre-eclampsia.

Seven studies compared cTn between women with pre-eclampsia or uncomplicated pregnancy using any assay. Seven studies showed elevated TnI in pre-eclampsia compared to uncomplicated pregnancy or non-pregnant women. One study measured troponin T (TnT) in pregnancy but did not examine pre-eclampsia.

Conclusion

TnI appears to be elevated in pre-eclampsia, irrespective of methodology, which may reflect the role of cardiac stress in this condition. TnI may be similar in healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women, but we found no literature reporting pregnancy-specific reference intervals using high-sensitivity tests. This limits broader application of cTn in pregnancy. There is a need to define reference intervals for cTn in pregnant women, which should involve serial sampling throughout pregnancy, with careful consideration for gestational age and body mass index, which cause dynamic changes in normal maternal physiology.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle, mental health, and quality of life of adults in South Korea
Authors: Park Kang-Hyun , Kim Ah-Ram , Yang Min-Ah , Lim Seung-Ju , Park Ji-Hyuk
Published: February 2021

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose significant challenges to nations. The Korean government aimed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through stay-at-home strategies and maintaining social distance, which are likely to result in major changes in the lifestyle, mental health, and quality of life of citizens. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these factors in Koreans over 20 years old.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 104 adults in South Korea aged over 20 years. An online survey was conducted between August and October 2020, in which participants were asked to complete the Yonsei Lifestyle Profile to assess lifestyle changes, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale abbreviated version. To investigate the changes in people’s lifestyles, depression, and quality of life post COVID-19, descriptive statistics were calculated for these indicators before and after the onset of the pandemic. The p-value was two-sided, and values <0.05, were regarded as statistically significant.

Results

There was a significant decline in physical and other meaningful activities, including activities of daily living, leisure, social activity, and education. However, there were no significant changes in nutrition, except in the consumption of carbohydrates and minerals. Participants reported that their quality of life and mental health had decreased after the pandemic struck.

Conclusions

We obtained novel data on the changes in the lifestyle, mental health, and quality of life of South Korean adults before and after the onset of the pandemic. The results of our study may assist health policymakers and practitioners in the development of health education or relevant interventions to deal with the pandemic situation as well as future crises.
Inhibition of anti-viral stress granule formation by coronavirus endoribonuclease nsp15 ensures efficient virus replication
Authors: Gao Bo , Gong Xiaoqian , Fang Shouguo , Weng Wenlian , Wang Huan , Chu Hongyan , Sun Yingjie , Meng Chunchun , Tan Lei , Song Cuiping , Qiu Xusheng , Liu Weiwei , Forlenza Maria , Ding Chan , Liao Ying
Published: February 2021

Cytoplasmic stress granules (SGs) are generally triggered by stress-induced translation arrest for storing mRNAs. Recently, it has been shown that SGs exert anti-viral functions due to their involvement in protein synthesis shut off and recruitment of innate immune signaling intermediates. The largest RNA viruses, coronaviruses, impose great threat to public safety and animal health; however, the significance of SGs in coronavirus infection is largely unknown. Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) is the first identified coronavirus in 1930s and has been prevalent in poultry farm for many years. In this study, we provided evidence that IBV overcomes the host antiviral response by inhibiting SGs formation via the virus-encoded endoribonuclease nsp15. By immunofluorescence analysis, we observed that IBV infection not only did not trigger SGs formation in approximately 80% of the infected cells, but also impaired the formation of SGs triggered by heat shock, sodium arsenite, or NaCl stimuli. We further demonstrated that the intrinsic endoribonuclease activity of nsp15 was responsible for the interference of SGs formation. In fact, nsp15-defective recombinant IBV (rIBV-nsp15-H238A) greatly induced the formation of SGs, along with accumulation of dsRNA and activation of PKR, whereas wild type IBV failed to do so. Consequently, infection with rIBV-nsp15-H238A strongly triggered transcription of IFN-β which in turn greatly affected rIBV-nsp15-H238A replication. Further analysis showed that SGs function as an antiviral hub, as demonstrated by the attenuated IRF3-IFN response and increased production of IBV in SG-defective cells. Additional evidence includes the aggregation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and signaling intermediates to the IBV-induced SGs. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the endoribonuclease nsp15 of IBV interferes with the formation of antiviral hub SGs by regulating the accumulation of viral dsRNA and by antagonizing the activation of PKR, eventually ensuring productive virus replication. We further demonstrated that nsp15s from PEDV, TGEV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 harbor the conserved function to interfere with the formation of chemically-induced SGs. Thus, we speculate that coronaviruses employ similar nsp15-mediated mechanisms to antagonize the host anti-viral SGs formation to ensure efficient virus replication.
SND1 promotes Th1/17 immunity against chlamydial lung infection through enhancing dendritic cell function
Authors: Wang Xinting , Zhang Chunyan , Wang Shuhe , Rashu Rasheduzzaman , Thomas Rony , Yang Jie , Yang Xi
Published: February 2021

To date, no reports have linked the multifunctional protein, staphylococcal nuclease domain-containing protein 1 (SND1), to host defense against intracellular infections. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanisms of SND1, by using SND1 knockout (SND1-/-) mice, in host defense against the lung infection ofChlamydia muridarum, an obligate intracellular bacterium. Our data showed that SND1-/-mice exhibited significantly greater body weight loss, higher organism growth, and more severe pathological changes compared with wild-type mice following the infection. Further analysis showed significantly reducedChlamydia-specific Th1/17 immune responses in SND1-/-mice after infection. Interestingly, the dendritic cells (DCs) isolated from SND1-/-mice showed lower costimulatory molecules expression and IL-12 production, but higher IL-10 production compared with those from wild-type control mice. In the DC-T cell co-culture system, DCs isolated from SND1-/-infected mice showed significantly reduced ability to promoteChlamydia-specific IFN-γ producing Th1 cells but enhanced capacity to induce CD4+T cells into Foxp3+Treg cells. Adoptive transfer of DCs isolated from SND1-/-mice, unlike those from wild-type control mice, failed to protect the recipients against challenge infection. These findings providein vivoevidence that SND1 plays an important role in host defense against intracellular bacterial infection, and suggest that SND1 can promote Th1/17 immunity and inhibit the expansion of Treg cells through modulation of the function of DCs.
Epigenomic characterization of latent HIV infection identifies latency regulating transcription factors
Authors: Jefferys Stuart R. , Burgos Samuel D. , Peterson Jackson J. , Selitsky Sara R. , Turner Anne-Marie W. , James Lindsey I. , Tsai Yi-Hsuan , Coffey Alisha R. , Margolis David M. , Parker Joel , Browne Edward P.
Published: February 2021

Transcriptional silencing of HIV in CD4 T cells generates a reservoir of latently infected cells that can reseed infection after interruption of therapy. As such, these cells represent the principal barrier to curing HIV infection, but little is known about their characteristics. To further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of latency, we characterized a primary cell model of HIV latency in which infected cells adopt heterogeneous transcriptional fates. In this model, we observed that latency is a stable, heritable state that is transmitted through cell division. Using Assay of Transposon-Accessible Chromatin sequencing (ATACseq) we found that latently infected cells exhibit greatly reduced proviral accessibility, indicating the presence of chromatin-based structural barriers to viral gene expression. By quantifying the activity of host cell transcription factors, we observe elevated activity of Forkhead and Kruppel-like factor transcription factors (TFs), and reduced activity of AP-1, RUNX and GATA TFs in latently infected cells. Interestingly, latency reversing agents with different mechanisms of action caused distinct patterns of chromatin reopening across the provirus. We observe that binding sites for the chromatin insulator CTCF are highly enriched in the differentially open chromatin of infected CD4 T cells. Furthermore, depletion of CTCF inhibited HIV latency, identifying this factor as playing a key role in the initiation or enforcement of latency. These data indicate that HIV latency develops preferentially in cells with a distinct pattern of TF activity that promotes a closed proviral structure and inhibits viral gene expression. Furthermore, these findings identify CTCF as a novel regulator of HIV latency.
Breadth and function of antibody response to acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans
Authors: Huang Kuan-Ying A. , Tan Tiong Kit , Chen Ting-Hua , Huang Chung-Guei , Harvey Ruth , Hussain Saira , Chen Cheng-Pin , Harding Adam , Gilbert-Jaramillo Javier , Liu Xu , Knight Michael , Schimanski Lisa , Shih Shin-Ru , Lin Yi-Chun , Cheng Chien-Yu , Cheng Shu-Hsing , Huang Yhu-Chering , Lin Tzou-Yien , Jan Jia-Tsrong , Ma Che , James William , Daniels Rodney S. , McCauley John W. , Rijal Pramila , Townsend Alain R.
Published: February 2021

Serological and plasmablast responses and plasmablast-derived IgG monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) have been analysed in three COVID-19 patients with different clinical severities. Potent humoral responses were detected within 3 weeks of onset of illness in all patients and the serological titre was elicited soon after or concomitantly with peripheral plasmablast response. An average of 13.7% and 3.5% of plasmablast-derived MAbs were reactive with virus spike glycoprotein or nucleocapsid, respectively. A subset of anti-spike (10 of 32) antibodies cross-reacted with other betacoronaviruses tested and harboured extensive somatic mutations, indicative of an expansion of memory B cells upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fourteen of 32 anti-spike MAbs, including five anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD), three anti-non-RBD S1 and six anti-S2, neutralised wild-type SARS-CoV-2 in independent assays. Anti-RBD MAbs were further grouped into four cross-inhibiting clusters, of which six antibodies from three separate clusters blocked the binding of RBD to ACE2 and five were neutralising. All ACE2-blocking anti-RBD antibodies were isolated from two recovered patients with prolonged fever, which is compatible with substantial ACE2-blocking response in their sera. Finally, the identification of non-competing pairs of neutralising antibodies would offer potential templates for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2.
Half an hour ago I was a white-haired Scotsman: Wibbly wobbly gender in Doctor Who
Authors: DiSanza Raymond
Published: February 2021

This article explores the ways in which the Doctor’s regeneration into a woman in the long-running British television show Doctor Who challenges traditional gender and sexual binaries. It examines both the Doctor’s actions and costuming, as well as a variety of ways in which the show had previously disrupted traditional hegemonic discourses about binary gender.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Antiviral Therapy for Untreated Minimally Active Chronic Hepatitis B to Prevent Liver Disease Progression
Authors: Lee Hankil , Kim Beom Kyung , Jang Sungin , Ahn Sang Hoon
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Antiviral therapy (AVT) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can prevent liver disease progression. Because of its stringent reimbursement criteria, significant numbers of patients with untreated minimally active (UMA)-CHB exist, although they are still subject to disease progression. We thus performed a cost-effectiveness analysis to assess the rationale for AVT for UMA-CHB.

METHODS:

We compared cost and effectiveness (quality-adjusted life years, QALYs) in virtual UMA-CHB cohorts of 10,000 50-year-olds receiving AVT (scenario 1) vs no treatment (scenario 2) for 10 years. A Markov model, including 7 health states of CHB-related disease progression, was used. Values for transition probabilities and costs were mostly obtained from recent South Korean data.

RESULTS:

The simulation of AVT vs no treatment predicted $2,201 incremental costs and 0.175 incremental QALYs per patient for 10 years, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $12,607/QALY, suggesting cost-effectiveness of AVT. In sum, if 10,000 patients received AVT, 720 incident hepatocellular carcinoma and 465 CHB-related more deaths could be averted in 10 years relative to no treatment. When the simulated analysis period was extended to 20 years, AVT was also highly cost-effective with an ICER of $2,036/QALY. Although hepatocellular carcinoma–related mortality was a major factor influencing ICER, its fluctuation can be accepted within willingness to pay of $33,000 in South Korea. According to probabilistic sensitivity analysis with the threshold of willingness to pay, the probability of AVT cost-effectiveness was 83.3%.

DISCUSSION:

Long-term AVT for patients with UMA-CHB may contribute positively toward individual clinical benefit and national health care budget.
Organspende – Liebe zum Nächsten oder Verantwortung für das Ganze?
Authors: Meyer-Magister Hendrik
Published: February 2021

In the debates on post-mortal organ donation German protestant churches fundamentally argue in favour of the motif of Christian charity: To donate organs after death must be a voluntary act of giving. Any duties to do so are incompatible with this motif. In principle Christian charity focuses on a concrete other, whose specific needs in a given situation are apparent. Against this backdrop the article argues, that charity is an insufficient motif in these debates, since anonymous post-mortal organ donation structurally deals with a generalised other. Therefore, it seems more appropriate to understand organ donation as an expression of the individual’s orientation towards the common weal and as a matter of responsibility for the whole of society. Indeed: there is no individual duty to donate organs after death, but a demand for personal reasoning and public participation in a crucial social and political question, that seems well in line with the concept of Public Protestantism.
TRES PAPAS CONTRA NINGÚN DEMONIO (LA DIMENSIÓN POLÍTICA EN DISCURSOS DEL PAPA FRANCISCO)
Authors: Dóvganj Alexis
Published: February 2021

Este artículo comenta mi investigación de grado sobre el carácter político de la enunciación lingüística en el discurso del papa Francisco I, en concreto, en tres alocuciones de carácter oficial pronunciadas por este en el marco de su visita a México en 2016. El punto de partida teórico es un recorrido sobre distintas concepciones del signo, hasta llegar al modelo ternario propuesto en «La semiosis social», de Eliseo Verón. Dado este marco general, analizamos el corpus mediante categorías específicas para el análisis de discurso político, en especial, aquellas relativas al dispositivo de enunciación. Nuestro análisis presupone la posibilidad de establecer una dimensión política inherente a todo discurso social, no solo a aquéllos considerados políticos en términos descriptivos. En esta dimensión, el enunciador del discurso papal tiende una red de relaciones de poder con sus lectores, distinguiendo entre los enunciatarios con los que se identifica positivamente, los que reprueba de todo punto y los que intenta convencer de emprender nuevas acciones. Este esquema de hacer–hacer se legitima en la axiología polarizada entre el bien y el mal y el principio de necesidad de la justicia divina que, desde La Biblia, opera como condición de producción de todo el discurso papal.
Analisis Gaya Belajar Siswa Berprestasi Studi Komparasi Siswa Berprestasi SMAN 1 dengan MAN 1 Yogyakarta Kelas XI
Authors: Murfi Ali , Rosidah Noneng Siti
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted, first, analyzed to determine the learning styles of students excel in Mathematics and Science subjects in class XI SMAN 1 and MAN 1 Yogyakarta by applying the theory of David Kolb's learning style. Second, to predict the differences and similarities of learning styles of students achievement in learning Mathematics Class XI SMAN 1 and MAN 1 Yogyakarta. 18 research subjects were drawn from students of class XI. Determining the subject of research is done by using purposive sampling technique that refers to the result of the average value of UTS Mathematics which is the third highest of any class. The results showed that: (1). Students' learning styles achievement in Mathematics and Science subjects in class XI SMA N 1 and MAN 1 Yogyakarta is varied. This is evidenced by the results if the data obtained show that the student has a unique learning style of each and likely to lead to the individual's personality. Based on the analysis of student learning styles achievement shows that students SMA N 1 Yogyakarta been the subject of much research as 4 students have a learning style Assimilator, 3 students have learning styles Konverger, one student has a learning style Akomodator and one student has a learning style Diverger again. While students perform at MAN 1 Yogyakarta who is the subject of research, as many as four people have Akomodator learning styles, each two students have learning styles Assimilator and Diverger, then one student again has a learning style Konverger. (2). Differences in learning styles that happens is the individual habits that become unique to them. Students perform at SMA N 1 Yogyakarta dominates the Assimilator learning styles, while students of MAN 1 Yogyakarta dominates the Akomodator learning styles.
Kantian Themes in Merleau-Ponty’s Theory of Perception
Authors: Matherne Samantha
Published: February 2021

It has become typical to read Kant and Merleau-Ponty as offering competing approaches to perceptual experience. Kant is interpreted as an ‘intellectualist’ who regards perception as conceptual ‘all the way out’, while Merleau-Ponty is seen as Kant’s challenger, who argues that perception involves non-conceptual, embodied ‘coping’. In this paper, however, I argue that a closer examination of their views of perception, especially with respect to the notion of ‘schematism’, reveals a great deal of historical and philosophical continuity between them. By analyzing Kant’s theory of schematism, the interpretation of it by the Neo-Kantian Pierre Lachièze-Rey, and Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the body schema, we find that aspects of Merleau-Ponty’s theory of perception are better understood as a development of Kant’s theory of perception.