bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of optical coherence tomography-guided and intravascular ultrasound-guided rotational atherectomy for calcified coronary lesions
Authors: Teng Weili , Li Qi , Ma Yuliang , Cao Chengfu , Liu Jian , Zhao Hong , Lu Mingyu , Hou Chang , Wang Weimin
Published: June 2021

Background

To compare the effect and outcomes of optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided rotational atherectomy (RA) with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided RA in the treatment of calcified coronary lesions.

Methods

Data of calcified coronary lesions treated with RA that underwent OCT-guided or IVUS-guided from January 2016 to December 2019 at a single-center registry were retrospectively analyzed. The effect and outcomes between underwent OCT-guided RA and IVUS-guided RA were compared.

Results

A total of 33 lesions in 32 patients received OCT-guided RA and 51 lesions in 47 patients received IVUS-guided RA. There was no significant difference between OCT-guided RA group and IVUS-guided RA group in clinical baselines characteristics. Comparing the procedural and lesions characteristics of the two groups, the contrast volume was larger [(348.8 ± 110.6) ml vs. (275.2 ± 76.8) ml,P = 0.002] and the scoring balloon was more frequently performed (33.3% vs. 3.9%,P = 0.001) after RA and before stenting in the OCT-guided RA group. Comparing the intravascular imaging findings of the two groups, stent expansion was significantly larger in the OCT-guided RA group ([82 ± 8]% vs. [75 ± 9]%,P = 0.001). Both groups achieved procedural success immediately. There were no significantly differences in the incidence of complications. Although there was no statistical difference in the occurrence of MACE at 1 year between OCT-guided RA group and IVUS-guided RA group (3.1% vs. 6.4%,P = 0.517), no cardiovascular death, TVR and stent thrombosis occurred in OCT-guided RA group.

Conclusions

OCT-guided RA compared to IVUS-guided RA for treating calcified coronary lesions resulted in better stent expansion and may have improved prognosis.
Normal sonographic liver and spleen dimensions in a central European pediatric population
Authors: Waelti Stephan , Fischer Tim , Wildermuth Simon , Leschka Sebastian , Dietrich Tobias , Guesewell Sabine , Mueller Pascal , Ditchfield Michael , Markart Stefan
Published: June 2021

Background

Organ size is influenced by a number of factors. Age, height, weight, and ethnicity are known influencing factors. Pediatric populations have changed over time, puberty beginning earlier resulting in a changing growth pattern of their organs. Hence, contemporary charts using local data are considered the most appropriate for a given population. Sonographic charts for liver size for a predominantly Caucasian population are limited, which has implications for clinical practice. The aim of this study was to define a contemporary normative range of liver and spleen sizes for a healthy, predominantly Caucasian population and for all pediatric age groups (0–18 years) and to investigate whether there is a size difference between genders and ethnicities.

Methods

Retrospective study including children with normal sonographic findings and no evidence of liver or splenic disease clinically. Craniocaudal and anteroposterior dimensions are measured for the right and left lobe of the liver, and craniocaudal dimension for the spleen. Relationship of the liver and spleen dimensions with age, body length, body surface area, weight, and gender were investigated. Charts of normal values were established. Values were compared to studies involving other ethnicities and to one study carried out in 1983 involving the same ethnicity.

Results

Seven hundred thirty-six children (371 boys, 365 girls) aged 1 day - 18.4 years were included. From the second year of life, the craniocaudal dimension of the right lobe of the liver is 1–2 cm larger in the Central European population compared with non-Caucasian populations at a given age. Liver size of Central European children in 2020 is greater compared to a similar population almost 40 years ago. The craniocaudal dimension of the spleen of Central European, US-American and Turkish children is similar. The difference between genders is statistically significant for both the liver and the spleen, being larger in boys.

Conclusion

Contemporary and ethnically appropriate reference charts for liver and spleen measurements should be used, especially for liver size. The effect of ethnicity is reduced if patient height rather than age is referenced.
Screening and identification of Theileria annulata subtelomere-encoded variable secreted protein-950454 (SVSP454) interacting proteins from bovine B cells
Authors: Li Zhi , Liu Junlong , Ma Quanying , Liu Aihong , Li Youquan , Guan Guiquan , Luo Jianxun , Yin Hong
Published: June 2021

Background

Theileria annulata is a protozoan parasite that can infect and transform bovine B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. The mechanism of the transformation is still not well understood, and some parasite molecules have been identified, which contribute to cell proliferation by regulating host signaling pathways. Subtelomeric variable secreted proteins (SVSPs) of Theileria might affect the host cell phenotype, but its function is still not clear. Therefore, in the present study, we explored the interactions of SVSP454 with host cell proteins to investigate the molecular mechanism of T. annulata interaction with host cells.

Methods

The transcription level of an SVSP protein from T. annulata, SVSP454, was analyzed between different life stages and transformed cell passages using qRT-PCR. Then, SVSP454 was used as a bait to screen its interacting proteins from the bovine B cell cDNA library using a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system. The potential interacting proteins of host cells with SVSP454 were further identified by using a coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays.

Results

SVSP454 was transcribed in all three life stages of T. annulata but had the highest transcription during the schizont stage. However, the transcription level of SVSP454 continuously decreased as the cultures passaged. Two proteins, Bos Taurus coiled-coil domain 181 (CCDC181) and Bos Taurus mitochondrial ribosomal protein L30 (MRPL30), were screened. The proteins CCDC181 and MRPL30 of the host were further identified to directly interact with SVSP454.

Conclusion

In the present study, SVSP454 was used as a bait plasmid, and its prey proteins CCDC181 and MRPL30 were screened out by using a Y2H system. Then, we demonstrated that SVSP454 directly interacted with both CCDC181 and MRPL30 by Co-IP and BiFC assays. Therefore, we speculate that SVSP454-CCDC181/SVSP454MRPL30 is an interacting axis that regulates the microtubule network and translation process of the host by some vital signaling molecules. Identification of the interaction of SVSP454 with CCDC181 and MRPL30 will help illustrate the transformation mechanisms induced by T. annulata.

Graphic abstract
Cross-national comparison of psychosocial well-being and diabetes outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in US, Brazil, and Iran
Authors: Abdoli Samereh , Silveira Monica S. V. M. , Doosti-Irani Mehri , Fanti Paulo , Miller-Bains Katherine , Pavin Elizabeth João , Cardoso Edimariz Buin , Vardanjani Leila Rafiee , Noorian Kobra , Hessler Danielle
Published: June 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health emergency, which presents wide-ranging negative impacts on individuals with diabetes. To examine psychosocial well-being and diabetes outcomes in individuals with type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigate how these factors vary in different countries.

Methods

Between April and June 2020 we employed a cross national comparative research study in the United States (US), Brazil, and Iran to collect data from 1788 adults with type 1 diabetes using web-based survey. Study participants answered questions relevant to diabetes distress, diabetes burnout, depressive symptoms, COVID-19 related changes, and socio-demographic characteristics. They also reported their last Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and daily Time-in-Range (TiR) blood glucose. We analyzed data using comparative tests (Chi-square, Kruskal–Wallis and McNemar test), logistic and linear regression adjusted for fixed effects.

Results

There were significant changes prior and during the pandemic regarding access to diabetes care, diabetes supplies and medications, healthy food and safe places to exercise in all countries (p < 0.05). Participants in Iran experienced higher levels of diabetes distress (57.1%), diabetes burnout (50%), and depressive symptoms (60.9%), followed by Brazil and US (p < 0.0001). US participants reported better glycemic control (HbA1c = 6.97%, T1R = 69.64%) compared to Brazil (HbA1c = 7.94%, T1R = 51.95%) and Iran (HbA1c = 7.47%, T1R = 51.53%) (p < 0.0001). There were also significant relationships between psychosocial well-being, diabetes outcomes, socio-demographic data, and COVID-19 related challenges in overall sample (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Regardless of differences among US, Brazil, and Iran, our findings revealed that different countries may experience similar challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic which can impact negatively diabetes outcomes and psychosocial well-being in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Countries need to consider modifiable variables associated with poor diabetes outcomes and sub optimal psychosocial well-being and target vulnerable population using significant socio-demographic variables.
Dealing with predatory journal articles captured in systematic reviews
Authors: Rice Danielle B. , Skidmore Becky , Cobey Kelly D.
Published: June 2021

Background

Systematic reviews appraise and synthesize the results from a body of literature. In healthcare, systematic reviews are also used to develop clinical practice guidelines. An increasingly common concern among systematic reviews is that they may unknowingly capture studies published in “predatory” journals and that these studies will be included in summary estimates and impact results, guidelines, and ultimately, clinical care.

Findings

There is currently no agreed-upon guidance that exists for how best to manage articles from predatory journals that meet the inclusion criteria for a systematic review. We describe a set of actions that authors of systematic reviews can consider when handling articles published in predatory journals: (1) detail methods for addressing predatory journal articles a priori in a study protocol, (2) determine whether included studies are published in open access journals and if they are listed in the directory of open access journals, and (3) conduct a sensitivity analysis with predatory papers excluded from the synthesis.

Conclusion

Encountering eligible articles published in presumed predatory journals when conducting a review is an increasingly common threat. Developing appropriate methods to account for eligible research published in predatory journals is needed to decrease the potential negative impact of predatory journals on healthcare.
Fusion of wildlife tracking and satellite geomagnetic data for the study of animal migration
Authors: Benitez-Paez Fernando , Brum-Bastos Vanessa da Silva , Beggan Ciarán D. , Long Jed A. , Demšar Urška
Published: June 2021

Background

Migratory animals use information from the Earth’s magnetic field on their journeys. Geomagnetic navigation has been observed across many taxa, but how animals use geomagnetic information to find their way is still relatively unknown. Most migration studies use a static representation of geomagnetic field and do not consider its temporal variation. However, short-term temporal perturbations may affect how animals respond - to understand this phenomenon, we need to obtain fine resolution accurate geomagnetic measurements at the location and time of the animal. Satellite geomagnetic measurements provide a potential to create such accurate measurements, yet have not been used yet for exploration of animal migration.

Methods

We develop a new tool for data fusion of satellite geomagnetic data (from the European Space Agency’s Swarm constellation) with animal tracking data using a spatio-temporal interpolation approach. We assess accuracy of the fusion through a comparison with calibrated terrestrial measurements from the International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network (INTERMAGNET). We fit a generalized linear model (GLM) to assess how the absolute error of annotated geomagnetic intensity varies with interpolation parameters and with the local geomagnetic disturbance.

Results

We find that the average absolute error of intensity is − 21.6 nT (95% CI [− 22.26555, − 20.96664]), which is at the lower range of the intensity that animals can sense. The main predictor of error is the level of geomagnetic disturbance, given by the Kp index (indicating the presence of a geomagnetic storm). Since storm level disturbances are rare, this means that our tool is suitable for studies of animal geomagnetic navigation. Caution should be taken with data obtained during geomagnetically disturbed days due to rapid and localised changes of the field which may not be adequately captured.

Conclusions

By using our new tool, ecologists will be able to, for the first time, access accurate real-time satellite geomagnetic data at the location and time of each tracked animal, without having to start new tracking studies with specialised magnetic sensors. This opens a new and exciting possibility for large multi-species studies that will search for general migratory responses to geomagnetic cues. The tool therefore has a potential to uncover new knowledge about geomagnetic navigation and help resolve long-standing debates.
Identification of a novel metabolic engineering target for carotenoid production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via ethanol-induced adaptive laboratory evolution
Authors: Su Buli , Li Anzhang , Deng Ming-Rong , Zhu Honghui
Published: June 2021

Carotenoids are a large family of health-beneficial compounds that have been widely used in the food and nutraceutical industries. There have been extensive studies to engineer Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of carotenoids, which already gained high level. However, it was difficult to discover new targets that were relevant to the accumulation of carotenoids. Herein, a new, ethanol-induced adaptive laboratory evolution was applied to boost carotenoid accumulation in a carotenoid producer BL03-D-4, subsequently, an evolved strain M3 was obtained with a 5.1-fold increase in carotenoid yield. Through whole-genome resequencing and reverse engineering, loss-of-function mutation of phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1) was revealed as the major cause of increased carotenoid yield. Transcriptome analysis was conducted to reveal the potential mechanisms for improved yield, and strengthening of gluconeogenesis and downregulation of cell wall-related genes were observed in M3. This study provided a classic case where the appropriate selective pressure could be employed to improve carotenoid yield using adaptive evolution and elucidated the causal mutation of evolved strain.
A comparative analysis of the nervous system of cheilostome bryozoans
Authors: Prömer Jakob , Sombke Andy , Schwaha Thomas
Published: June 2021

Background

Bryozoans are sessile aquatic suspension feeders in mainly marine, but also freshwater habitats. Most species belong to the marine and calcified Cheilostomata. Since this taxon remains mostly unstudied regarding its neuroanatomy, the focus of this study is on the characterization and ground pattern reconstruction of the autozooidal nervous system based on six representatives.

Results

A common neuronal innervation pattern is present in the investigated species: a cerebral ganglion is located at the base of the lophophore, from where neurite bundles embrace the mouth opening to form a circumoral nerve ring. Four neurite bundles project from the cerebral ganglion to innervate peripheral areas, such as the body wall and parietal muscles via the tentacle sheath. Five neurite bundles comprise the main innervation of the visceral tract. Four neurite bundles innervate each tentacle via the circumoral nerve ring. Mediofrontal tentacle neurite bundles emerge directly from the nerve ring. Two laterofrontal- and one abfrontal tentacle neurite bundles emanate from radial neurite bundles, which originate from the cerebral ganglion and circumoral nerve ring in between two adjacent tentacles. The radial neurite bundles terminate in intertentacular pits and give rise to one abfrontal neurite bundle at the oral side and two abfrontal neurite bundles at the anal side. Similar patterns are described in ctenostome bryozoans.

Conclusions

The present results thus represent the gymnolaemate situation. Innervation of the tentacle sheath and visceral tract by fewer neurite bundles and tentacular innervation by four to six tentacle neurite bundles support cyclostomes as sister taxon to gymnolaemates. Phylactolaemates feature fewer distinct neurite bundles in visceral- and tentacle sheath innervation, which always split in nervous plexus, and their tentacles have six neurite bundles. Thus, this study supports phylactolaemates as sistergroup to myolaemates.
Complicated embolisation of late endoleak via direct sac puncture: not all endoleaks are a type II endoleak
Authors: Drahman Aizat , De Boo Diederick Willem , Springthorpe Barry , Deshpande Arvind
Published: June 2021

Background

Endoleaks after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) occur frequently with type 2 being the most common. Treatment of type 2 endoleaks is indicated if the aneurysmal sac increases in size.

Case report

In this case report, we will discuss a patient who presented with aneurysmal sac size increase 11 years after undergoing EVAR for an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm which extended into the iliac arteries. Multi-phase CT demonstrated an endoleak with features commonly seen in type 2 endoleaks; pooling of contrast near a lumbar artery orifice on the angiographic phase which increases during the delayed phase. Both internal iliac arteries were sacrificed during the initial EVAR. Percutaneous direct sac puncture was therefor performed and angiogram during the procedure revealed no feeding or draining lumbar arteries. During attempts to embolize the perfused part of the aneurysmal sac non-target embolization into the main body of the graft occurred and the presence of type 3b endoleak was confirmed. The non-target embolization did not result in permanent sequelae.

Conclusions

Type 3b endoleaks are rare and can mimic type 2 endoleaks, which can cause serious complications if not identified properly. Rapid increase in aneurysmal sac size is uncommonly seen in type 2 endoleaks and if present needs to trigger further diagnostic investigations.
Multilocus phylogenies reveal three new truffle-like taxa and the traces of interspecific hybridization in Octaviania (Boletaceae, Boletales)
Authors: Orihara Takamichi , Healy Rosanne , Corrales Adriana , Smith Matthew E.
Published: June 2021

Among many convergently evolved sequestrate fungal genera in Boletaceae (Boletales, Basidiomycota), the genus Octaviania is the most diverse. We recently collected many specimens of Octaviania subg. Octaviania, including several undescribed taxa, from Japan and the Americas. Here we describe two new species in subgenus Octaviania, O. tenuipes and O. tomentosa, from temperate to subtropical evergreen Fagaceae forests in Japan based on morphological observation and robust multilocus phylogenetic analyses (nrDNA ITS and partial large subunit [LSU], translation elongation factor 1-α gene [TEF1] and the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II gene [RPB1]). Based on specimens from the Americas as well as studies of the holotype, we also taxonomically re-evaluate O. asterosperma var. potteri. Our analysis suggests that O. asterosperma var. potteri is a distinct taxon within the subgenus Octaviania so we recognize this as O. potteri stat. nov. We unexpectedly collected O. potteri specimens from geographically widespread sites in the USA, Japan and Colombia. This is the first verified report of Octaviania from the South American continent. Our molecular analyses also revealed that the RPB1 sequence of one O. tenuipes specimen was identical to that of a closely related species, O. japonimontana, and that one O. potteri specimen from Minnesota had an RPB1 sequence of an unknown species of O. subg. Octaviania. Additionally, one O. japonimontana specimen had an unusually divergent TEF1 sequence. Gene-tree comparison and phylogenetic network analysis of the multilocus dataset suggest that these heterogenous sequences are most likely the result of previous inter- and intra-specific hybridization. We hypothesize that frequent hybridization events in Octaviania may have promoted the high genetic and species diversity found within the genus.
A comprehensive review on global contributions and recognition of pharmacy professionals amidst COVID-19 pandemic: moving from present to future
Authors: Sami Saad Ahmed , Marma Kay Kay Shain , Chakraborty Agnila , Singha Tandra , Rakib Ahmed , Uddin Md. Giash , Hossain Mohammed Kamrul , Uddin S. M. Naim
Published: June 2021

Background

COVID-19, a respiratory tract infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a burning question worldwide as it gives rise to a pandemic situation. No specific medications are still recommended for COVID-19; however, healthcare support is crucial for ameliorating the disease condition. Pharmacists are the frontline fighters who are responsible for providing healthcare support to the COVID-19 infected patients around the world. This review endeavored to briefly rationalize the contributions of several pharmacy professionals in diverse fields along with their collaborative efforts and dedication regarding their limitations during the COVID-19 situation and view the prospects of pharmaceutical care services in the post-pandemic period.

Main body of the abstract

Online databases were utilized to search for scholarly articles and organizational websites, to sum up the information about the contemporary and expanded role of pharmacists. Key articles were retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct databases using terms: “COVID-19,” “novel coronavirus,” “community,” “industrial,” “hospital,” “clinical,” “recognition,” “obstacles,” “collaboration,” “SARS-CoV-2,” “healthcare,” and “outbreak” in combination with “pharmacist.” The articles were included from the inception of the pandemic to January 25, 2021. The current review found pharmacist’s global contributions and involvements with other professionals to provide healthcare services amidst COVID-19. This included testing of suspects, providing medical information, psycho-social support, debunking myths, mitigating drug shortage events, telemedicine, e-prescription, infection control, and controlling the drug supply chain. In many countries, pharmacists’ activities were much appreciated but in some countries, they were not properly acknowledged for their contributions amidst COVID-19 outbreak. They played additional roles such as participating in the antimicrobial stewardship team, improving value-added services, conducting clinical data analysis to suppress the outspread of the SARS-CoV-2.

Short conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic while the whole world is fighting against an invisible virus, the pharmacists are the earnest hero to serve their responsibilities along with additional activities. They need to be prepared and collaborate with other healthcare professionals further to meet the challenges of post-pandemic circumstances.
Racial Capitalism and the Informatics of Value
Authors: Franklin Seb
Published: June 2021

This article takes the presentation of mechanical and informatic models in Samuel Delany's Neveryóna as an occasion to examine the relations of force, abstraction, information, and differential valuation that constitute racial capitalism. In order to do this, the article considers the continuities and divergences between the principles those models demonstrate, the lessons on value and economic determination that precede them, and Delany's subsequent presentation of surplus populations, intricated “free” and slave labor, and the modes of racialized differentiation that shape and are shaped in the interstices of those social formations. In Delany's sword-and-sorcery bildungsroman, the models illustrate the abstract logic of value, show that logic to be informatic in character, and point toward a dialectical relationship between this informatic logic and the concrete practices of dispossession that produce and operate through ascriptive race and gender regimes. Value's abstract operations are too often understood to be incommensurable with such regimes, yet Delany's presentation deploys the language and processes associated with informatics to reveal an essential relationship between the abstract network that results from value's mediating function and the modes of ascription and concrete violence that, as a result of such mediation, tend to be associated with precapitalist or noncapitalist social formations.
Facilitating Reading Engagement in Shared Reading
Authors: Steenberg Mette , Christiansen Charlotte , Dalsgård Anne Line , Stagis Anne Maria , Ahlgren Liv Moeslund , Nielsen Tine Lykkegaard , Ladegaard Nicolai
Published: June 2021

This article responds to this special issue's overarching interest in the relation between modes of reading and the experiences of actual readers by analyzing how the specific practice of shared reading facilitates readers’ engagement in literary reading. The article responds both to an under-investigated dimension of the practice of shared reading, that of the role of facilitation, and to a pressing articulated and educational need to develop additional and better methodologies for fostering literary reading engagement, as existing results from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) have demonstrated the importance of reading engagement for both academic achievement and social mobility. By linking the notion of engagement within the PISA framework with phenomenologically oriented empirical research on expressive reading and the notion of emergent thinking in existing shared reading research, the article argues for the role of the reader leader in facilitating literary engagement. These connections may inspire literary scholars to consider the link between literary analysis and the didactics of literary reading.
Mitochondrial function in development and disease
Authors: Rossmann Marlies P. , Dubois Sonia M. , Agarwal Suneet , Zon Leonard I.
Published: June 2021

Mitochondria are organelles with vital functions in almost all eukaryotic cells. Often described as the cellular ‘powerhouses’ due to their essential role in aerobic oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondria perform many other essential functions beyond energy production. As signaling organelles, mitochondria communicate with the nucleus and other organelles to help maintain cellular homeostasis, allow cellular adaptation to diverse stresses, and help steer cell fate decisions during development. Mitochondria have taken center stage in the research of normal and pathological processes, including normal tissue homeostasis and metabolism, neurodegeneration, immunity and infectious diseases. The central role that mitochondria assume within cells is evidenced by the broad impact of mitochondrial diseases, caused by defects in either mitochondrial or nuclear genes encoding for mitochondrial proteins, on different organ systems. In this Review, we will provide the reader with a foundation of the mitochondrial ‘hardware’, the mitochondrion itself, with its specific dynamics, quality control mechanisms and cross-organelle communication, including its roles as a driver of an innate immune response, all with a focus on development, disease and aging. We will further discuss how mitochondrial DNA is inherited, how its mutation affects cell and organismal fitness, and current therapeutic approaches for mitochondrial diseases in both model organisms and humans.
EMG Signals Can Reveal Information Sharing between Consecutive Pedal Cycles
Authors: PRATT JAYLENE S. , ROSS STEPHANIE A. , WAKELING JAMES M. , HODSON-TOLE EMMA F.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Producing a steady cadence and power while cycling results in fairly consistent average pedal forces for every revolution, although small fluctuations about an average force do occur. This force can be generated by several combinations of muscles, each with slight fluctuations in excitation for every pedal cycle. Fluctuations such as these are commonly thought of as random variation about average values. However, research into fluctuations of stride length and stride time during walking shows information can be contained in the order of fluctuations. This order, or structure, is thought to reveal underlying motor control strategies. Previously, we found persistent structure in the fluctuations of EMG signals during cycling using entropic half-life analysis. These EMG signals contained fluctuations across multiple timescales, such as those within a burst of excitation, between the burst and quiescent period of a cycle, and across multiple cycles. It was not clear which sources of variation contributed to the persistent structure in the EMG.

Methods

In this study, we manipulated variation at different timescales in EMG intensity signals to identify the sources of structure observed during cycling. Nine participants cycled at a constant power and cadence for 30 min while EMG was collected from six muscles of the leg.

Results

We found persistent structure across multiple pedal cycles of average EMG intensities, as well as average pedal forces and durations. In addition, we found the entropic half-life did not quantify fluctuations within a burst of EMG intensity; instead, it detected unstructured variation between the burst and quiescent period within a cycle.

Conclusions

The persistent structure in average EMG intensities suggests that fluctuations in muscle excitation are regulated from cycle to cycle.
Downhill Running Decreases the Acetylation of Tubulins and Impairs Autophagosome Degradation in Rat Skeletal Muscle
Authors: WANG ZHEN , NIU YANLONG , LEI BINGKAI , YU LIANG , KE ZHIFEI , CAO CHUNXIA , WANG RUIYUAN , LI JUNPING
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study was designed to probe the effect of downhill running on microtubule acetylation and autophagic flux in rat skeletal muscle.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to an exercise protocol of a 90-min downhill run with a slope of −16° and a speed of 16 m·min−1, and then the soleus was sampled at 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after exercise. Protein expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), p62/sequestosome 1 (p62), α-tubulin, and acetylated α-tubulin (AcK40 α-tubulin) were detected by Western blotting. Alpha-tubulin was costained with AcK40 α-tubulin or cytoplasmic dynein intermediate chain in a single muscle fiber, and LC3 was costained with lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 in cryosections. To assess autophagic flux in vivo, colchicine or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally 3 d before the exercise experiment, and the protein levels of LC3 and p62 were measured by Western blotting.

Results

Downhill running induced a significant increase in the protein levels of LC3-II and p62, whereas the level and proportion of AcK40 α-tubulin were markedly decreased. Furthermore, the amount of dynein on α-tubulin was decreased after downhill running, and autophagosomes accumulated in the middle of myofibrils. Importantly, LC3-II flux was decreased after downhill running compared with that in the control group.

Conclusions

A bout of downhill running decreases microtubule acetylation, which may impair dynein recruitment and autophagosome transportation, causing blocked autophagic flux.
MRI differentiation of low-grade and high-grade chondrosarcoma of the shoulder girdle, chest wall and pelvis: a pictorial review based on 111 consecutive cases
Authors: Jain Virendra , Oliveira Ines , Chavda Anesh , Khoo Michael , Saifuddin Asif
Published: June 2021

Approximately 40% of conventional chondrosarcomas arise from the shoulder girdle, chest wall and pelvis. This pictorial review describes the MRI features which may aid in the differentiation of Grade 1 chondrosarcoma (Gd1-CS) from high-grade chondrosarcoma (HG-CS) and dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma (DD-CS) in these locations, based on literature review and assessment of 111 consecutive cases presenting to the senior authors institution over a 13-year period. Of the 111 patients reviewed (71 males and 40 females; mean age 54.3 years; range 17–92 years), 27 were Gd1-CS, 72 were HG-CS and 12 were DD-CS. Tumours arising from the scapula, acetabulum, pubis/ischium and sacrum were more likely to be HG-CS, as were intramedullary tumours. MRI features associated with HG-CS and DD-CS included cortical destruction, bone oedema, soft tissue oedema, tumour necrosis, intermediate T2W SI and joint invasion. The presence of a soft tissue mass became a significant differentiating feature for tumours arising within the medullary cavity, but this was location-specific and did not differentiate between Gd1-CS and HG-CS/DD-CS arising from the sternum or clavicle.
High false-negative rate of the anterior spinal artery by intercostobronchial trunk arteriography alone compared to CT during arteriography
Authors: Kodama Yoshihisa , Sakurai Yasuo , Yamasaki Koji , Yokoo Keiki
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the frequencies of the anterior spinal arteries identified by CT during arteriography (CTA) and arteriography alone.

Methods

This retrospective study included 137 vessels in 83 patients who performed both bronchial arteriography and CTA and categorized them into three groups based on the catheter tip locations: intercostobronchial trunk (ICBT), bronchial artery (BA), and intercostal artery (ICA). The frequencies of anterior spinal artery identified by CTA and arteriography alone were compared for each group.

Results

ICBT, BA, and ICA groups were evaluated by CTA in 46, 79, and 12 vessels, respectively. By CTA evaluation, anterior spinal artery was identified in seven vessels (15.2%) in ICBT group, 0 in BA group and two (16.7%) in ICA group. The frequencies of anterior spinal artery were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in ICBT and ICA groups than in BA group. By arteriography evaluation alone, a faint anterior spinal artery was identified in two vessels (4.3%) in ICBT group, 0 in BA group, and 1 (8.3%) in ICA group.

Conclusions

Anterior spinal artery branched only from the ICBT or ICA and not from the BA in both arteriography and CTA assessments. There was high false-negative rate (71%) of the anterior spinal artery by ICBT arteriography alone assessment compared to CTA assessment. This result explains one of the reasons that spinal ischemia occurs in arteriography-negative spinal artery cases.

Advances in knowledge

False-negative rate of anterior spinal artery was 71% (5/7) by intercostobronchial trunk arteriography alone assessment.
Operation and calibration of the novel PTW 1600SRS detector for the verification of single isocenter stereotactic radiosurgery treatments of multiple small brain metastases
Authors: Decabooter Esther , Swinnen Ans CC , Öllers Michel C , Göpfert Fabian , Verhaegen Frank
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

The aim of this work was to evaluate the operation of the 1600SRS detector and to develop a calibration procedure for verifying the dose delivered by a single isocenter stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment of small multiple brain metastases (BM).

Methods:

14 clinical treatment cases were selected with the number of BM ranging from 2 to 11. The dosimetric agreement was investigated between the calculated and the measured dose by an OCTAVIUS 1600SRS array detector in an OCTAVIUS 4D phantom equipped with dedicated SRS top. The cross-calibration procedure deviated from the manufacturer’s as it applied field sizes and dose rates corresponding to the volumetric modulated arc therapy segments in each plan.

Results:

Measurements with a plan specific cross-calibration showed mean ± standard deviation (SD) agreement scores for cut-off values 50%, 80%, 95%, of 98.6 ± 1.7%, 96.5 ± 4.6%, 97.3 ± 4.4% for the 6 MV plans respectively, and 98.6 ± 1.5%, 96.6 ± 4.0% 96.4 ± 6.3%, for the 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF) plans respectively. Using the default calibration procedure instead of the plan specific calibration could lead to a combined systematic dose offset of 4.1% for our treatment plans.

Conclusion:

The 1600SRS detector array with the 4D phantom offers an accurate solution to perform routine quality assurance measurements of single isocenter SRS treatments of multiple BM. This work points out the necessity of an adapted cross-calibration procedure.

Advances in knowledge:

A dedicated calibration procedure enables accurate dosimetry with the 1600SRS detector for small field single isocenter SRS treatment of multiple brain metastases for a large amount of BM.
Η σύνδεση σεξουαλικού προσανατολισμού και φαινομένων ομοφοβικού εκφοβισμού σε μαθητές/τριες μέσα από τις αντιλήψεις των εκπαιδευτικών
Authors: Δαραής Κωνσταντίνος
Published: June 2021

Σκοπός της διατριβής ήταν να μελετήσει το θέμα του σεξουαλικού προσανατολισμού, τη σύνδεσή του με τον σχολικό ομοφοβικό εκφοβισμό και τους τρόπους που οι εκπαιδευτικοί αντιμετωπίζουν τη συγκεκριμένη πρόκληση. Στο πρώτο μέρος και με βάση τη βιβλιογραφία, γίνεται μία αναλυτική διαπραγμάτευση των διαφόρων μορφών του σχολικού ομοφοβικού εκφοβισμού, των αρνητικών ψυχοκοινωνικών του συνεπειών σε βάρος των μαθητών/τριών που τον υφίστανται, καθώς και των αντιδράσεων των σχολείων και των εκπαιδευτικών απέναντι σε αυτό το φαινόμενο. Στο δεύτερο μέρος παρουσιάζεται η έρευνα στην οποία συμμετείχαν 391 εκπαιδευτικοί πρωτοβάθμιας και δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης. Αξιολογήθηκαν οι τρόποι αντίδρασης των εκπαιδευτικών και από ποιους παράγοντες ή χαρακτηριστικά επηρεάζονται. Εξετάστηκαν οι αντιλήψεις τους για τα ψυχοκοινωνικά χαρακτηριστικά των μη ετεροφυλόφιλων μαθητών/τριών, οι γνώσεις τους για θέματα μη ετεροφυλοφιλίας, οι αντιλήψεις για το σχολικό κλίμα αλλά και συγκεκριμένα ζητήματα που σχετίζονται με την ομοφοβία. Η στατιστική επεξεργασία των δεδομένων της έρευνας βασίστηκε σε μεθόδους της περιγραφικής και της επαγωγικής στατιστικής. Από τα ευρήματα συνάγεται ότι οι εκπαιδευτικοί τείνουν να υιοθετούν μη ομοφοβικούς τρόπους αντίδρασης και να απορρίπτουν τους ομοφοβικούς τρόπους αντίδρασης καθώς και τους τρόπους αποφυγής οποιασδήποτε παρέμβασης. Διαπιστώθηκε τέλος ότι συγκεκριμένες αντιλήψεις και συγκεκριμένα χαρακτηριστικά των εκπαιδευτικών, σχετίζονται άμεσα με τους τρόπους που επιλέγουν να αντιμετωπίσουν τα φαινόμενα ομοφοβικού εκφοβισμού στο σχολείο.
There is no market for new antibiotics: this allows an open approach to research and development
Authors: Klug Dana M. , Idiris Fahima I. M. , Blaskovich Mark A. T. , von Delft Frank , Dowson Christopher G. , Kirchhelle Claas , Roberts Adam P. , Singer Andrew C. , Todd Matthew H.
Published: June 2021

There is an increasingly urgent need for new antibiotics, yet there is a significant and persistent economic problem when it comes to developing such medicines. The problem stems from the perceived need for a “market” to drive commercial antibiotic development. In this article, we explore abandoning the market as a prerequisite for successful antibiotic research and development. Once one stops trying to fix a market model that has stopped functioning, one is free to carry out research and development (R&D) in ways that are more openly collaborative, a mechanism that has been demonstrably effective for the R&D underpinning the response to the COVID pandemic. New “open source” research models have great potential for the development of medicines for areas of public health where the traditional profit-driven model struggles to deliver. New financial initiatives, including major push/pull incentives, aimed at fixing the broken antibiotics market provide one possible means for funding an openly collaborative approach to drug development. We argue that now is therefore the time to evaluate, at scale, whether such methods can deliver new medicines through to patients, in a timely manner.
Legal Discourse Phenomenon as a Subject for Teaching in a Higher Education Institution: The Outcomes of the Scientific and Methodological Seminar
Authors: Yushkova Nataliya , Fedeneva Yuliya
Published: June 2021

The article reviews the outcomes of the Russian scientific and methodological seminar with international participation «Modern problems of teaching foreign language legal discourse» organized by the chair of Russian and foreign languages and speech culture of Ural State Law University. Scientific and methodological themes of the seminar led to a constructive discussion of legal discourse phenomenon within the framework of the complex development of the law students’ linguistic identity in modern teaching practice in higher education institutions. The participants reported on very important issues of educational technologies that need to be revised from the scientific and methodological points of view. Those issues deal with (a) development of practice-oriented skills that would allow students to take an active part in communication in their second language; (b) implementation of interactive forms of work in distant learning class; (c) difficulties in translating legal texts.
Development of Artificial Intelligence as a Factor of Transformation in Philosophical Anthropology and Ethics
Authors: Filipchenko Anton
Published: June 2021

This article is dedicated to the problem of the development of artificial intelligence in modern society and its influence on such philosophical disciplines as philosophical anthropology, philosophy of mind and ethics. The article defines the possible content of the term "artificial intelligence", examines the impact of artificial intelligence on the problem of distinguishing intelligent and non-intelligent beings, assesses the possibility of the existence of consciousness outside the human brain, explores options for solving applied ethical problems in the field of AI, searches ways of communication between the humanity and artificial intelligence, assesses the theoretical prospects for organizing an ethical space for intelligent machines of the future. At the end of each topic, the author tries to assess the potential impact of the artificial intelligence development on usual philosophical problems. The work has practical application in teaching a course in philosophy, and theoretical application as a basis for further research in various fields of science and philosophy.
Sociocultural Factors Affecting the Development of Speech in Russian of Students in Grades 5–7th of Schools of Indigenous Small Peoples of the North
Authors: Popova M.
Published: June 2021

The article examines the socio-cultural factors that influence the communicative development of students in grades 5-7 of schools of indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

In the places of residence, the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North, the population is mixed by national composition and speaks several languages. Students, in addition to Russian and foreign languages, study their native languages. Consequently, most of these students learn 2-3 languages at school. The language of interethnic communication is more often Russian, but in some settlements this function of the language is also performed by the Yakut language.

Therefore, one of the necessary conditions for the formation of the Russian civil identity in such conditions is the communicative development of students-representatives of the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North in Russian.
Pedagogical Communication in the Conditions of Distance Education: Models, Methods, Effectiveness
Authors: Osokina I.
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the problem of the effectiveness of distance education, considered from the point of view of the organization of pedagogical communication. The article analyzes the structure and methods of the sociocentric model of education, which is basic for secondary and vocational education in the Russian Federation, and its differences from the distance learning model; the characteristics of the structural and content features of the distance model are given. The article describes the main reasons that reduce the effectiveness of pedagogical communication in the conditions of mixing models of the educational process, which takes place in 2020-2021, and in general, the communicative effectiveness of distance education in comparison with the sociocentric traditional model.
Forming Analytical Competence of International Economics Students in the Process of Learning Foreign Languages
Authors: Grinevich E.
Published: June 2021

The author explains the need in forming of analytical thinking among International Economics students in order to build up their professional competence as an important condition of job competitiveness, responsiveness to new market changes, successful intercultural communication in the business world. The author highlights the meaning of the analytical thinking definition and its place in the process of analytical performance and competence development. The article presents the algorithm of analytical thinking building as an activity which starts with identifying a problem, describing an aim, tasks, subject matter and methods to solve it. The article presents the components of analytical competence and describes necessary conditions for its development within professional language training with the focus on aim and tasks specified by the state documents. The author emphasizes the unique role of foreign languages and their place in the development of future specialist professional competence. In conclusion the author notes that developed analytical competence is the main part of professionally oriented personality becoming with high level of competitiveness and deep understanding of intercultural communication.
Career pathways: case studies
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: June 2021

There are many different routes into a rewarding early years career, and it is important to hear directly from those who have undertaken these routes. Karen Hart gains insight into the paths of two outstanding practitioners – a SENCO and an apprentice.
Afternoon tea
Authors: Davies Sarah
Published: June 2021

Learning about traditions always involves so many interesting insights. This includes discovering new texts, people, practices and opening up opportunities for mathematical literacy as well as extending language.
LIGHTS OUT! on graph products over the ring of integers modulo k
Authors: Munter Ryan , Peters Travis
Published: June 2021

LIGHTS OUT! is a game played on a finite, simple graph. The vertices of the graph are the lights, which may be on or off, and the edges of the graph determine how neighboring vertices turn on or off when a vertex is pressed. Given an initial configuration of vertices that are on, the object of the game is to turn all the lights out. The traditional game is played over $\mathbb{Z}_2$, where the vertices are either lit or unlit, but the game can be generalized to $\mathbb{Z}_k$, where the lights have different colors. Previously, the game was investigated on Cartesian product graphs over $\mathbb{Z}_2$. We extend this work to $\mathbb{Z}_k$ and investigate two other fundamental graph products, the direct (or tensor) product and the strong product. We provide conditions for which the direct product graph and the strong product graph are solvable based on the factor graphs, and we do so using both open and closed neighborhood switching over $\mathbb{Z}_k$.