bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Follistatin supplementation induces changes in CDX2 CpG methylation and improves in vitro development of bovine SCNT preimplantation embryos
Authors: Ashry Mohamed , Yang Chunyan , Rajput Sandeep K. , Folger Joseph K. , Knott Jason G. , Smith George W.
Published: September 2021

Caudal Type Homeobox 2 (CDX2) is a key regulator of trophectoderm formation and maintenance in preimplantation embryos. We previously demonstrated that supplementation of exogenous follistatin, during in vitro culture of bovine IVF embryos, upregulates CDX2 expression, possibly, via alteration of the methylation status of CDX2 gene. Here, we further investigated the effects of exogenous follistatin supplementation on developmental competence and CDX2 methylation in bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. SCNT embryos were cultured with or without follistatin for 72h, then transferred into follistatin free media until d7 when blastocysts were collected and subjected to CDX2 gene expression and DNA methylation analysis for CDX2 regulatory regions by bisulfite sequencing. Follistatin supplementation significantly increased both blastocyst development as well as blastocyst CDX2 mRNA expression on d7. Three different CpG rich fragments within the CDX2 regulatory elements; proximal promoter (fragment P1, -1644 to -1180; P2, -305 to +126) and intron 1 (fragment I, + 3030 to + 3710) were identified and selected for bisulfite sequencing analysis. This analysis showed that follistatin treatment induced differential methylation (DM) at specific CpG sites within the analyzed fragments. Follistatin treatment elicited hypomethylation at six CpG sites at positions -1374, -279, -163, -23, +122 and +3558 and hypermethylation at two CpG sites at positions -243 and +20 in promoter region and first intron of CDX2 gene. Motif analysis using MatInspector revealed that differentially methylated CpG sites are putative binding sites for key transcription factors (TFs) known to regulate Cdx2 expression in mouse embryos and embryonic stem cells including OCT1, AP2F, KLF and P53, or TFs that have indirect link to CDX2 regulation including HAND and NRSF. Collectively, results of the present study together with our previous findings in IVF embryos support the hypothesis that alteration of CDX2 methylation is one of the epigenetic mechanisms by which follistatin may regulates CDX2 expression in preimplantation bovine embryos.
Mobile-based interventions for common mental disorders in youth: a systematic evaluation of pediatric health apps
Authors: Domhardt Matthias , Messner Eva-Maria , Eder Anna-Sophia , Engler Sophie , Sander Lasse B. , Baumeister Harald , Terhorst Yannik
Published: September 2021

Background

The access to empirically-supported treatments for common mental disorders in children and adolescents is often limited. Mental health apps might extend service supplies, as they are deemed to be cost-efficient, scalable and appealing for youth. However, little is known about the quality of available apps. Therefore, we aimed to systematically evaluate current mobile-based interventions for pediatric anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted inGoogle Play StoreandApple App Storeto identify relevant apps. To be eligible for inclusion, apps needed to be: (1) designed to target either anxiety, depression or PTSD in youth (0–18 years); (2) developed for children, adolescents or caregivers; (3) provided in English or German; (4) operative after download. The quality of eligible apps was assessed with two standardized rating systems (i.e.,Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS)andENLIGHT) independently by two reviewers.

Results

Overall, the searches revealed 3806 apps, with 15 mental health apps (0.39%) fulfilling our inclusion criteria. The mean overall scores suggested a moderate app quality (MARS: M = 3.59, SD = 0.50; ENLIGHT: M = 3.22, SD = 0.73). Moreover, only one app was evaluated in an RCT. The correlation of both rating scales was high (r = .936; p < .001), whereas no significant correlations were found between rating scales and user ratings (p > .05).

Conclusions

Our results point to a rather poor overall app quality, and indicate an absence of scientific-driven development and lack of methodologically sound evaluation of apps. Thus, future high-quality research is required, both in terms of theoretically informed intervention development and assessment of mental health apps in RCTs. Furthermore, institutionalized best-practices that provide central information on different aspects of apps (e.g., effectiveness, safety, and data security) for patients, caregivers, stakeholders and mental health professionals are urgently needed.
Chilean validation of the operationalized psychodynamic diagnosis-structure questionnaire (OPD-SQ) for personality structure
Authors: Lorenzini Nicolás , de la Parra G. , Dagnino P. , Gomez-Barris E. , Crempien C. , Ehrenthal J. C.
Published: September 2021

Background

This is the validation of the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis—Structure Questionnaire (OPD-SQ).

Methods

A clinical sample of 399 adults and a nonclinical general population sample of 50 healthy adults completed measures of depression, attachment, psychiatric symptomatology and distress. Internal consistency and concurrent validity were assessed. Test–retest and Reliable Change Index were also calculated, as was the ability of the OPD-SQ to distinguish between the clinical and general population groups.

Results

High internal consistencies were found; significant differences between clinical and nonclinical samples, and significant associations with psychiatric symptomatology, depression and psychological distress.

Conclusion

The Chilean OPD-SQ has good reliability, and discriminates between clinical and healthy samples.
Attitudes and perceived barriers to firearm safety anticipatory guidance by pediatricians: a statewide perspective
Authors: Ketabchi Bijan , Gittelman Michael A. , Southworth Hayley , Arnold Melissa Wervey , Denny Sarah A. , Pomerantz Wendy J.
Published: September 2021

Background

Firearms are the second leading cause of injury-related death in American children. Safe storage of firearms is associated with a significantly decreased odds of firearm-related death, however more than half of US firearm owners store at least one firearm unlocked or accessible to a minor. While guidance by primary care providers has been shown to improve storage practices, firearm safety counseling occurs infrequently in the primary care setting. The primary objective of this study was to describe pediatricians’ perceived barriers to providing firearm safety education to families in the pediatric primary care setting. Secondary objectives included identifying pediatric provider attitudes and current practices around firearm counseling.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey of pediatric primary care providers in Ohio. Participants were recruited from the Ohio AAP email list over a 3-month period. Only pediatric primary care providers in Ohio were included; subspecialists, residents and non-practicing physicians were excluded. Participants completed an anonymous online survey detailing practice patterns around and barriers to providing firearm safety counseling. Three follow-up emails were sent to pediatricians that failed to initially respond. Response frequencies were calculated using Microsoft Excel.

Results

Two hundred eighty-nine pediatricians completed the survey and 149 met inclusion criteria for analysis. One hundred seven (72%) respondents agreed that it is the responsibility of the pediatric primary care provider to discuss safe storage. Counseling, however, occurred infrequently with 119 (80%) of respondents performing firearm safety education at fewer than half of well child visits. The most commonly cited barriers to providing counseling were lack of time during office visits, lack of education and few resources to provide to families. A majority, 82 of pediatric providers (55%), agreed they would counsel more if given additional training, with 110 (74%) conveying they would distribute firearm safety devices to families if these were available in their practice.

Conclusion

Ohio pediatricians agree that it is the responsibility of the primary care provider to discuss firearm safety. However, counseling occurs infrequently in the primary care setting due to a lack of time, provider education and available resources. Improving access to resources for primary care pediatricians will be critical in helping educate families in order to protect their children through improved storage practices.
A practical approach to cluster validation in the energy sector
Authors: Bogensperger Alexander , Fabel Yann
Published: September 2021

With increasing digitization, new opportunities emerge concerning the availability and use of data in the energy sector. A comprehensive literature review shows an abundance in available unsupervised clustering algorithms as well as internal, relative and external cluster validation indices (cvi) to evaluate the results. Yet, the comparison of different clustering results on the same dataset, executed with different algorithms and a specific practical goal in mind still proves scientifically challenging. A large variety of cvi are described and consolidated in commonly used composite indices (e.g. Davies-Bouldin-Index, silhouette-Index, Dunn-Index). Previous works show the challenges surrounding these composite indices since they serve a generalized cluster quality evaluation. However, this does not suit individual clustering goals in many cases. The presented paper introduces the current state of science, existing cluster validation indices and proposes a practical method to combine them to an individual composite index, using Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (mcda). The methodology is applied on two energy economic use cases for clustering load profiles of bidirectional electric vehicles and municipalities.
Asset logging in the energy sector: a scalable blockchain-based data platform
Authors: Djamali Alexander , Dossow Patrick , Hinterstocker Michael , Schellinger Benjamin , Sedlmeir Johannes , Völter Fabiane , Willburger Lukas
Published: September 2021

Due to a steeply growing number of energy assets, the increasingly decentralized and segmented energy sector fuels the potential for new digital use cases. In this paper, we focus our attention on the application field of asset logging, which addresses the collection, documentation, and usage of relevant asset data for direct or later verification. We identified a number of promising use cases that so far have not been implemented; supposedly due to the lack of a suitable technical infrastructure. Besides the high degree of complexity associated with various stakeholders and the diversity of assets involved, the main challenge we found in asset logging use cases is to guarantee the tamper-resistance and integrity of the stored data while meeting scalability, addressing cost requirements, and protecting sensitive data. Against this backdrop, we present a blockchain-based platform and argue that it can meet all identified requirements. Our proposed technical solution hierarchically aggregates data in Merkle trees and leverages Merkle proofs for the efficient and privacy-preserving verification of data integrity, thereby ensuring scalability even for highly frequent data logging. By connecting all stakeholders and assets involved on the platform through bilateral and authenticated communication channels and adding a blockchain as a shared foundation of trust, we implement a wide range of asset logging use cases and provide the basis for leveraging platform effects in future use cases that build on verifiable data. Along with the technical aspects of our solution, we discuss the challenges of its practical implementation in the energy sector and the next steps for testing in a regulatory sandbox approach.
Early Changes in Immune Cell Count, Metabolism, and Function Following Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective Human Study
Authors: Lo Tammy , Haridas Renuka S , Rudge Eleanor J M , Chase Robert P , Heshmati Keyvan , Lucey Elizabeth M , Weigl Alison M , Iyoha-Bello Otatade J , Ituah Chelsea O , Benjamin Emily J , McNutt Seth W , Sathe Leena , Farnam Leanna , Raby Benjamin A , Tavakkoli Ali , Croteau-Chonka Damien C , Sheu Eric G
Published: September 2021

Objective

To characterize longitudinal changes in blood biomarkers, leukocyte composition, and gene expression following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Background

LSG is an effective treatment for obesity, leading to sustainable weight loss and improvements in obesity-related comorbidities and inflammatory profiles. However, the effects of LSG on immune function and metabolism remain uncertain.

Methods

Prospective data were collected from 23 enrolled human subjects from a single institution. Parameters of weight, comorbidities, and trends in blood biomarkers and leukocyte subsets were observed from preoperative baseline to 1 year postsurgery in 3-month follow-up intervals. RNA sequencing was performed on pairs of whole blood samples from the first 6 subjects of the study (baseline and 3 months postsurgery) to identify genome-wide gene expression changes associated with undergoing LSG.

Results

LSG led to a significant decrease in mean total body weight loss (18.1%) at 3 months and among diabetic subjects a reduction in hemoglobin A1c. Improvements in clinical inflammatory and hormonal biomarkers were demonstrated as early as 3 months after LSG. A reduction in neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was observed, driven by a reduction in absolute neutrophil counts. Gene set enrichment analyses of differential whole blood gene expression demonstrated that after 3 months LSG induced transcriptomic changes not only in inflammatory cytokine pathways but also in several key metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism.

Conclusions

LSG induces significant changes in the composition and metabolism of immune cells as early as 3 months postoperatively. Further evaluation is required of bariatric surgery’s effects on immunometabolism and the consequences for host defense and metabolic disease.
A mouse model of hypoplastic left heart syndrome demonstrating left heart hypoplasia and retrograde aortic arch flow
Authors: Rahman Anum , DeYoung Taylor , Cahill Lindsay S. , Yee Yohan , Debebe Sarah K. , Botelho Owen , Seed Mike , Chaturvedi Rajiv R. , Sled John G.
Published: September 2021

In hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the mechanisms leading to left heart hypoplasia and their associated fetal abnormalities are largely unknown. Current animal models have limited utility in resolving these questions as they either do not fully reproduce the cardiac phenotype, do not survive to term and/or have very low disease penetrance. Here, we report the development of a surgically induced mouse model of HLHS that overcomes these limitations. Briefly, we microinjected the fetal left atrium of embryonic day (E)14.5 mice with an embolizing agent under high-frequency ultrasound guidance, which partially blocks blood flow into the left heart and induces hypoplasia. At term (E18.5), all positively embolized mice exhibit retrograde aortic arch flow, non-apex-forming left ventricles and hypoplastic ascending aortas. We thus report the development of the first mouse model of isolated HLHS with a fully penetrant cardiac phenotype and survival to term. Our method allows for the interrogation of previously intractable questions, such as determining the mechanisms of cardiac hypoplasia and fetal abnormalities observed in HLHS, as well as testing of mechanism-based therapies, which are urgently lacking.
ExBoX – a simple Boolean exclusion strategy to drive expression in neurons
Authors: Ubina Teresa , Vahedi-Hunter Tyler , Agnew-Svoboda Will , Wong Wenny , Gupta Akshay , Santhakumar Vijayalakshmi , Riccomagno Martin M.
Published: September 2021

The advent of modern single-cell biology has revealed the striking molecular diversity of cell populations once thought to be more homogeneous. This newly appreciated complexity has made intersectional genetic approaches essential to understanding and probing cellular heterogeneity at the functional level. Here, we build on previous knowledge to develop a simple adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based approach to define specific subpopulations of cells by Boolean exclusion logic (AND NOT). This expression by Boolean exclusion (ExBoX) system encodes for a gene of interest that is turned on by a particular recombinase (Cre or FlpO) and turned off by another. ExBoX allows for the specific transcription of a gene of interest in cells expressing only the activating recombinase, but not in cells expressing both. We show the ability of the ExBoX system to tightly regulate expression of fluorescent reporters in vitro and in vivo, and further demonstrate the adaptability of the system by achieving expression of a variety of virally delivered coding sequences in the mouse brain. This simple strategy will expand the molecular toolkit available for cell- and time-specific gene expression in a variety of systems.
The TPR- and J-domain-containing proteins DJC31 and DJC62 are involved in abiotic stress responses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Dittmer Sophie , Kleine Tatjana , Schwenkert Serena
Published: September 2021

Molecular chaperones play an important role during the response to different stresses. Since plants are sessile organisms, they need to be able to adapt quickly to different conditions. To do so, plants possess a complex chaperone machinery, composed of HSP70, HSP90, J proteins and other factors. In this study we characterized DJC31 (also known as TPR16) and DJC62 (also known as TPR15) of Arabidopsis thaliana, two J proteins that additionally carry clamp-type tetratricopeptide repeat domains. Using cell fractionation and split GFP, we could show that both proteins are attached to the cytosolic side of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Moreover, an interaction with cytosolic HSP70.1 and HSP90.2 could be shown using bimolecular fluorescence complementation. Knockout of both DJC31 and DJC62 caused severe defects in growth and development, which affected almost all organs. Furthermore, it could be shown that the double mutant is more sensitive to osmotic stress and treatment with abscisic acid, but surprisingly exhibited enhanced tolerance to drought. Taken together, these findings indicate that DJC31 and DJC62 might act as important regulators of chaperone-dependent signaling pathways involved in plant development and stress responses.
Parallel mechanisms of visual memory formation across distinct regions of the honey bee brain
Authors: Avalos Arián , Traniello Ian M. , Pérez Claudio Eddie , Giray Tugrul
Published: September 2021

Visual learning is vital to the behavioral ecology of the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera). Honey bee workers forage for floral resources, a behavior that requires the learning and long-term memory of visual landmarks, but how these memories are mapped to the brain remains poorly understood. To address this gap in our understanding, we collected bees that successfully learned visual associations in a conditioned aversion paradigm and compared gene expression correlates of memory formation in the mushroom bodies, a higher-order sensory integration center classically thought to contribute to learning, as well as the optic lobes, the primary visual neuropil responsible for sensory transduction of visual information. We quantified expression of CREB and CaMKII, two classical genetic markers of learning, and fen-1, a gene specifically associated with punishment learning in vertebrates. As expected, we found substantial involvement of the mushroom bodies for all three markers but additionally report the involvement of the optic lobes across a similar time course. Our findings imply the molecular involvement of a sensory neuropil during visual associative learning parallel to a higher-order brain region, furthering our understanding of how a tiny brain processes environmental signals.
Running away or running to? Do prey make decisions solely based on the landscape of fear or do they also include stimuli from a landscape of safety?
Authors: MacKay Rebecca N. , Wood Tyler C. , Moore Paul A.
Published: September 2021

Predator–prey interactions are a key part of ecosystem function, and non-consumptive effects fall under the landscape of fear theory. Under the landscape of fear, the antipredator responses of prey are based on the spatial and temporal distribution of predatory cues in the environment. However, the aversive stimuli (fear) are not the only stimuli prey can utilize when making behavioral decisions. Prey might also be using attractive stimuli that represent safety to guide decision making. Using a novel, orthogonal design, we were able to spatially separate aversive and attractive stimuli to determine whether prey are utilizing safety cues to navigate their environment. Crayfish Faxonius rusticus were placed in the center of a behavioral arena. Aversive stimuli of either predatory bass Micropterus salmoides cues or conspecific alarm cues increased along the x-axis of the behavioral arena. Safety cues (shelters) increased along the y-axis by decreasing the number of shelter openings in this direction. Crayfish were allowed two phases to explore the arena: one without the fearful stimuli and one with the stimuli. Linear mixed models were conducted to determine whether movement behaviors and habitat utilization were affected by the phase of the trial and the type of aversive stimuli. Crayfish responded more strongly to alarm cues than to fear cues, with only alarm cues significantly impacting habitat utilization. When responding to alarm cues, crayfish used safety cues as well as fear cues to relocate themselves within the arena. Based on these results, we argue that crayfish utilize a landscape of safety in conjunction with a landscape of fear when navigating their environment.
Radiation Safety of Population: Experience and Ways of Improvement
Authors: Shandala N. , Korenkov Igor' , Lyaginskaya A. , Kiselev S. , Kvacheva Yu , Metlyaev E. , Parinov O. , Titov A. , Semenova M. , Zozul Yu. , Zinovieva N.
Published: September 2021

The article describes the results of the activities of the department of radiation safety of the population of the A.I. Burnasyan FMBC of FMBA over the period from the foundation of the Center to the present.

Results: The priority in the activity of the Institute of Biophysics, created in 1946, was the development of issues of radiation safety of the personnel and the public during the implementation of a nuclear project. The basic scientific direction «radiation safety of the population» was formed as an independent unit by 1955. Today, the department of radiation safety of the population of FMBC is a scientific, practical and methodological unit which deals with radiation and chemical safety including an assessment of health of the population living in the vicinity of Russian nuclear facilities. The main priorities of activity include: radiation-health physics monitoring and health physics regulation; monitoring the health of the population; expert activity in medical nuclear forensics. Scientific research in the field of protection and safety and improving the state health and epidemiological supervision covers the population living in the areas of enterprises under FMBA’s of Russia service, including nuclear shipbuilding facilities, nuclear and uranium legacy of Russia and Central Asia, nuclear power plants, cosmodromes, etc.

Conclusion: In general, summarizing the 75-year activity in the field of the public radiation protection and safety, the following can be stated. Over the past years, a set of health physics works has been carried out at nuclear facilities, a methodology for radiation and health physics monitoring has been developed in conjunction with monitoring the public health, methods for determining man-made and natural radionuclides in food and environmental media have been developed and introduced into practice. The implementation of our new scientific developments and future prospects will be aimed at reducing the burden of medical problems associated with the operation of various radiation hazardous facilities and legacy management; raising the level and quality of life of the relevant contingents of the Russian population; as well as the creation of the necessary conditions for the successful development of nuclear energy in the Russian Federation.
Justification of Remediation Criteria of Uranium Legacy Sites
Authors: Titov A. , Shandala N. , Bel'skih Yu. , Isaev D. , Semenova M. , Doronieva T , Oskina K. , Gushchina Yu.
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To present approaches to establishing the criteria for remediation of sites contaminated due to past activities of uranium mining and milling facilities. These facilities are considered today as uranium legacy.

Results: This paper presents the justified reference levels expressed in terms of annual effective dose values, which are recommended for using as remediation criteria for sites contaminated due to past activities of uranium mining and milling facilities (uranium legacy sites).

Depending on further use of the sites after remediation, these criteria range from 1 µSv/year, in case of temporary presence of the population, to 10 µSv/year, in case of permanent residence of the population and conducting economic activities.

Conclusions: In accordance with the international basic safety standards, accepted more than 10 years ago, exposure situations from radioactive material retained from previous activities refer to the existing exposure situation.

Nevertheless, neither Federal Law “On Radiation Safety of the Population” nor Radiation Safety Standards have so far introduced terms “existing exposure situation” covering exposure at nuclear and uranium legacy sites and “reference level”, which is used to assure radiation safety of the population living at legacy sites or using these sites for the purpose of the economic activities.
Results of the Activities of Interdepartmental Expert Advice on Establishing Communication Diseases, Disabilities and Death with Impact Radiation Factors
Authors: Bushmanov A. , Biryukov A. , Korovkina E. , Kretov A. , Vlasova I. , Lomteva A. , Gugina A.
Published: September 2021

One of the systems of expert councils that exist on the territory of the Russian Federation is the Interdepartmental Expert Council (IEC), where citizens can apply to establish the cause of the connection between illness, disability and death with exposure to ionizing radiation.

The article discusses the normative documents and the legal framework governing the work of the IEC, to establish the causal relationship of diseases, disability and death of citizens exposed to radiation as a result of the Chernobyl disaster. The results of the activities of interdepartmental expert councils of the Russian Federation for 2010–2020 are presented.

The categories of citizens who have the right to submit documents for an examination to establish the causal relationship of illness, disability and death as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation in the IEC have been determined.
Subacute Course of Chronic Radiation Syndrome Caused External Non-Uniform Radiation Exposure of Lost Source
Authors: Galstyan I. , Bushmanov A. , Metlyaeva Nelya , Solov'ev V. , Mershin L. , Konchalovsky M. , Nugis V. , Shcherbatykh O. , Yunanova L. , Davtyan A. , Obuhova E.
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To analyze the features of the clinical course of chronic radiation syndrome (CRS) due to external non-uniform chronic exposure to prolonged household contact with a lost source of ionizing radiation.

Material and methods: Analysis of 2 clinical observations of patients who developed subacutecourse of CRS and chronic radiation dermatitis due to external non-uniform exposure of the lost sources of ionizing radiation are presented.

Results: Boy A. K. from the age of 1 year for 7 years was external radiation exposed (for 1.5 years non-uniform exposure ) to the total dose according EPR tooth enamel about 6.3 Gy, according to the data of retrospective dose recovery on red bone marrow using voxel modeling – 26 (19–37) Gy.

F. V. V., male, 38 years, was external non-uniform radiation exposed for 5 months, the total dose according cytogenetic studies of 7.9 Gy (dose rate about 0.035 Gy/h).

During the examination in the hospital, the patients were diagnosed with CRS. Within the framework of the bone marrow syndrome, deep thrombocytopenia, moderate leuko- and neutropenia, and moderate anemic syndrome were observed. The latter is not typical for the typical course of CRS and is a criterion indicating a subacute course of the disease. In addition, signs of chronic radiation dermatitis were found in the projection of the action of the ionizing radiation beam. After stopping the radiation exposure, the patients did not recover their hematopoietic function, and in the period of immediate consequences, they developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with further transformation into acute leukemia.

Conclusion: 1. Accidental prolonged household or criminal contact with a source of ionizing radiation can lead to the formation of CRS with an atypical subacute course and the formation of MDS with transformation to acute leukemia in the outcome of the disease or in the period of its consequences.

2. It can be assumed that with external non-uniform radiation exposure, leading to the development of CRS and chronic radiation damage to the skin, agranulocytosis in the subacute course of CRS may be absent.

3. Adverse prognostic signs for the development of MDS and leukemia in the outcome or in the period of the consequences of subacute CRS with non-uniform exposure are long-lasting deep thrombocytopenia and anemic syndrome after the end of radiation exposure.
Analysis of the Results of Psychophysiological Examinations of Personnel of Nuclear Facilities
Authors: Kalinina M. , Kretov A. , Tsarev A. , Soloreva M. , Denisova E.
Published: September 2021

The link between the health level of an employee and his professional reliability is currently obvious and does not require additional proof. The implementation of measures aimed at reducing the risks of developing emergency situations due to the fault of the human factor at nuclear facilities is an important element of the radiation protection system.

In order to achieve the above goals of the organization in accordance with Federal Law No. 170-FZ of 21.11.1995, the performance of certain types of work in the field of atomic energy use requires special permits from Rostechnadzor. A prerequisite for obtaining such a permit for a specialist is the absence of psychophysiological contraindications based on the results of a psychophysiological examination.

In this study, the analysis of the results of psychophysiological examinations (hereinafter referred to as PPhE) of employees of atomic energy facilities, carried out by specialists of the A.I. Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Centre in 2020.
Dos crimes-sem-razão às razões do eugenismo: racismo de Estado e psiquiatria na origem do conceito de Biopolítica em Michel Foucault
Authors: Pegden Raphael Thomas Ferreira Mendes , Ferreira Arthur Arruda Leal
Published: September 2021

No presente artigo pretendemos apresentar as críticas de Michel Foucault aos modos de articulação entre psiquiatria e poder a partir das análises que se estendem do período de 1973 até 1976, incluindo, principalmente, a obra História da sexualidade: a vontade de saber (1976) e os cursos O poder psiquiátrico (1973-74), Os anormais (1974-75) e Em defesa da sociedade (1975-76). Pesquisando sobre o modo pelo qual a psiquiatria do século XIX e do início do século XX relacionou instinto e hereditariedade a partir da teoria da degenerescência, Foucault pôde conceber essa forma de saber como uma tecnologia biopolítica inserida nas relações de poder próprias do racismo de Estado.
La panóptica de Gotham: los mecanismos de poder mediante la configuración de la ciudad
Authors: Sánchez-Moreno Iván , Salvador Daniel
Published: September 2021

A cidade de Gotham é mais um personagem nas aventuras do Batman. Não serve apenas como palco e reflexo da degradação da cidade, mas seus prédios, suas ruas e sua distribuição permitem que Batman exerça seu controle sobre a urbe. Gotham é um lugar especialmente isolacionista, em parte devido ao alto fluxo de crimes que ali reside. Por essa e outras razões, Gotham segue o padrão dos dispositivos panópticos que Michel Foucault analisou para definir e descrever as relações de poder e vigilância nas instalações prisionais. Com esse motivo em mente, nos aprofundaremos no efeito das heterotopias em neutralizar a resistência dos cidadãos contra uma normalização vigente, e investigaremos como um novo corpo é construído de poder corporificado em um vigilante mascarado por meio da legitimação da população civil.
Modos de Vida da População em Situação de Rua: a produção acadêmica no Espírito Santo
Authors: Pinheiro Diego Arthur Lime , Heckert Ana Lúcia Coelho , Silva Lucas Xavier , Lopes Lucas De Souza
Published: September 2021

Este artigo se propõe a estudar como os modos de vida da população em situação de rua têm sido abordados no âmbito das produções acadêmicas. Neste trabalho, focalizamos o mapeamento da produção de dissertações e teses defendidas no Brasil no período de 2010 a 2016, destacando a produção acadêmica realizada no Estado do Espírito Santo. A metodologia utilizada para produzir os dados foi o Estado do Conhecimento, usando como procedimento a pesquisa bibliográfica. A partir do material levantado, efetuamos uma análise do modo como a população de rua configura campos problemáticos nessas produções. O resultado apontou a reduzida produção de conhecimento acadêmico acerca dos modos de vida deste grupo populacional, o que tem interferido negativamente na elaboração de políticas públicas e na formação de profissionais que atuam com este segmento populacional. Espera-se fornecer subsídios para ampliação da produção de conhecimentos e das redes de garantia de direitos no Espírito Santo.
O tempo e a tempestade: ensaio sobre a guerrilha vital
Authors: Costa Marcio José de Araujo
Published: September 2021

Partindo de uma intuição da vida como multiplicidade de forças imanentes, traça-se uma leitura literal do Tempo e da História como produção do intempestivo, a novidade, que emerge contemporaneamente como guerrilha dos modos de vida minoritários. Cartografam-se algumas linhas psicossociais desse pensamento emergente, chamado super-humano, concebido a partir do pensamento filosófico e indígena.
Variability of Nitrogen Mineralization from Organic Matter in Agricultural Soils in the North of Colombia
Authors:   Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológico Agropecuarias. Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit. Xalisco, México, Eliana Martínez-Mera, , Diego García-Paredes, ,   Unidad Académica de Agricultura. Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit. Xalisco, México, Amaira Corrales, ,   Departamento de Productividad e Innovación. Universidad de la Costa. Barranquilla, Colombia, Ana Carolina Torregroza-Espinosa, ,   Departamento de Productividad e Innovación. Universidad de la Costa. Barranquilla, Colombia
Published: September 2021

Abstract Variation of Nitrogen mineralization (Nm) and its relationship to physicochemical factors in soils of an irrigation district in the North of Colombia was evaluated. Physicochemical parameters were measured in topsoil (0–30 cm) samples taken from 22 points in agricultural lands (10 in the dry season, 12 in the wet season). Nm was estimated from organic matter (OM) content. Soil parameters in the study area are suitable for crop development, although they present variations between the dry and wet season, where the soil pH varies of slightly acidic to neutral and the OM content decreases. Additionally, in the dry season there was a positive correlation with pH, OM and C/N ratio and, during wet season between OM, sand, clay and bulk density. In both seasons, a negative correlation between silt and Nm was common. Environmental and soil conditions in the study area are favourable for Nm because during the dry season the accumulation of OM is favoured. Understanding how physicochemical factors influence Nm is essential for agricultural activities and the development of sustainable ecosystem services. Keywords: N transformation, Physicochemical properties, Physicochemical interactions
The Attenuation of TNF-α-mediated Inflammatory Responses in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Line by Perilla Seed and Seed Meal Extract
Authors:   School of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand, Khanaree Chakkrit , Punfa Wanisa ,   School of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand, Tantipaiboonwong Payungsak ,   Division of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand, Suttajit Maitree ,   Division of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand, Chewonarin Teera ,   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Pangjit Kanjana ,   College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand, Pintha Komsak
Published: September 2021

Abstract Thai perilla (Perilla frutescens) extracts, which contain a substantial quantity of bioactive substances including phenolics and flavonoids, have shown marked anti-inflammatory activities in several investigated models. In the present study, the effect of perilla seed extract (PSE) and seed meal extract (PSME) on TNF-α-induced inflammatory response in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells was investigated. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in PSME was lower than PSE. Markedly, rosmarinic acid was identified as the main constituent in both extracts. However, the DPPH and ABTS assays indicated that the antioxidant capacity of PSME was equal to PSE. Moreover, the iron-binding activity of PSE and PSME were exhibited by complex formation with Fe3+-NTA, indicating that the extracts may inhibit hydroxyl radical production via Fenton reaction. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis showed that both PSE or PSME co-treated with TNF-α, at 24 h exposure, were not toxic to the A549 cells. Interestingly, PSE and PSME dramatically exhibited an anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, but did not influence iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expressions. Moreover, both extracts significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in TNF-α-induced A549 cells. The findings presented in this paper suggest that PSE and PSME could mitigate TNF-α-mediated inflammatory responses via limiting pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions and decreasing ROS production. Thus, perilla seed and seed meal, the by-product of a perilla seed oil cold-pressed extraction process, could be developed as food supplements or functional foods for the prevention of inflammation-induced lung carcinogenesis development. Keywords: Human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, Inflammation, Perilla seed, Perilla seed meal, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)
The Use of Hematological and Histopathological Biomarkers to Assess the Health of Aquatic Ecosystems in Koh Sichang, Thailand
Authors:   Marine Ecology and Marine Resources Utilization Research Unit, Aquatic Resources Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, Sopon Anek , Kettratad Jes ,   Marine Ecology and Marine Resources Utilization Research Unit, Aquatic Resources Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand,   Department of Marine sciences, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand, Piumsomboon Ajcharaporn ,   Marine Ecology and Marine Resources Utilization Research Unit, Aquatic Resources Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, Kaneko Gen ,   School of Arts and Sciences, University of Houston-Victoria, Victoria, Texas 77901, USA, Senarat Sinlapachai ,   Department of Marine Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Fisheries Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Trang 92150, Thailand
Published: September 2021

Abstract Koh Sichang area in Thailand is a sink for a wide variety of contaminants such as heavily polluted water from industry and oil spills. This situation may affect the health status of fish living in the area, but such information remains scarce. In this study, we evaluated the health status of java rabbitfish Siganus javus, an important marine fish in Koh Sichang, using hematological and histopathological biomarkers. All fish samples were collected from the Koh Sichang area during December 2017 and January 2018. Although the salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen levels at sampling points were all within the normal range, abnormal nuclei were observed in erythrocytes (up to ~6% of all erythrocytes) and in some leucocytes (neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte). Visceral organs (gill, kidney and liver) were apparently normal in terms of gross morphology, but a wide variety of the histopathological alterations were found at the microscopic level: epithelial hyperplasia and aneurysm in gills; blood congestion and melanomacrophage centers (MMCs) in the liver; renal degeneration, granuloma and MMCs together with unidentified parasites in kidney. Calculation of semi-quantitative parameters [histological alteration index (HAI) and the average value of alteration (AVA)] demonstrated the highest frequency of histopathological alterations in kidney, suggesting that kidney is a sensitive organ. Overall, our observations suggest that S. javus in Koh Sichang is under the pathological state and warrants conservation efforts. Keywords: Erythrocytes, Fish Health, Hematology, Histopathology, Kidney
Effects of Dissolved O2 and Fe Availability on Growth, Morphology, Aerenchyma Formation and Radial Oxygen Loss of Canna indica L. and Heliconia psittacorum L.f.
Authors:   Graduate Master’s Degree Program in Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Suriyakaew Tanapong , Jampeetong Arunothai ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
Published: September 2021

Abstract In constructed wetlands (CWs), plants are usually affected by low O2 levels. Under such conditions, most soluble iron is reduced to ferrous (Fe2+) which is highly soluble, and toxic to plants as well. As a consequence of excessive ferrous iron with low O2 supply, plant growth is reduced, leading to declining nutrient removal efficiency. This study was conducted to determine the effects of different dissolved oxygen levels (normoxia and hypoxia) with Fe supplied on growth, morphology, and root anatomy of two wetland plants (Canna indica and Heliconia psittacorum). The plants were grown on a nutrient solution modified from Smart and Barko (1985) under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. All plants were grown in greenhouse conditions for 42 days. Plant growth rates and biomass accumulation were drastically reduced under hypoxia while leaf number was not affected. Under hypoxia, root diameter and root porosity also increased in C. indica, whereas H. psittacorum had greater aerenchyma formation. Moreover, C. indica showed adaptive traits to cope with hypoxia and Fe stress by increasing radial oxygen loss (ROL), releasing O2 to the rhizosphere to resist toxic effects of ferrous iron under hypoxia. In contrast, H. psittacorum had no ROL under hypoxia. Moreover, the plants showed leaf chlorosis, leaf roll, and root rotting. Hence, it is suggested that C. indica could have better performance than H. psittacorum to treat wastewater in CWs as this species can adapt to hypoxic conditions and releases O2 into rhizosphere which improves dissolved oxygen (DO) in the wastewater. Keywords: Aerenchyma, Dissolved oxygen, Iron, Root porosity, Wetland emergent plant
Effects of Indian Gooseberry Fruit on Anxiety-Related Behaviors and Memory Performance in High-fat Diet-induced Obese Mice
Authors:   Cognitive Science and Innovation Research Unit (CSIRU), College of Research Methodology and Cognitive Science, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand, Juntapremjit Sirikran , Janthakhin Yoottana ,   Cognitive Science and Innovation Research Unit (CSIRU), College of Research Methodology and Cognitive Science, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
Published: September 2021

Abstract Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica L.) is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, as well as traditional medicine to treat health complications including disorders of diabetes and obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Indian gooseberry fruit on anxiety-related behaviors and memory performance in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 11 pre group); group 1: normal diet control, 2: normal diet treated with Indian gooseberry fruit juice, 3: high-fat diet control, and 4: high-fat diet treated with Indian gooseberry fruit juice. Each mouse was orally and daily administrated with 5mL/kg of Indian gooseberry fruit juice. After six weeks, all groups were tested for blood glucose levels, anxiety and memory performances, and the level of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the hippocampus. The results revealed that the treatment with Indian gooseberry juice for six weeks produced a significant decrease in blood glucose levels (P <0.05). In anxiety-related behaviors, Indian gooseberry juice showed a remarkable decrease in self-grooming behavior (P <0.001). In addition, there was a significant increase in memory performance in the high-fat diet treated with Indian gooseberry fruit juice compared to the high-fat diet control (P <0.05). Furthermore, the level of inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the hippocampus was significantly decreased after oral administration of Indian gooseberry fruit juice (P <0.05). These findings suggest that Indian gooseberry fruit can serve as a natural nutritional treatment for preventing high-fat diet-induced cognitive impairment. Keywords: Anxiety-related behaviors, High-fat diet, Indian gooseberry, Memory performance, Obesity
Political Geographies of Islamophobia: Chinese Ethno-Religious Racism and Structural Violence in East Turkestan
Authors: Shibli Nawroos
Published: September 2021

This article outlines the ways in which Islamophobia, as a growing transnational phenomenon, embraces and engenders structural violence against Muslims in the context of China. How have expressions of anti-Muslim racism become part and parcel of anti-terror strategies in the context of the Global War on Terror (GWOT)? And in what ways has Islamophobia been increasingly embedded within the context of the everyday, especially with regards to exclusionary policies? This paper examines this contemporary issue with attention to historical processes, while remaining cognizant of broader global trends of increasingly accepted religious persecution and racism. In a post-9/11 hyper-securitized world, the Uyghurs' religious Muslim identity became the target of the government's campaign against terrorism. With anti-terror policies so loosely defined, Islam—often synonymous with terrorism and difference—and those who visibly practice it became convenient marks of increased surveillance, suppression, detention, and even torture/death, all officially under the guise of the elusive war on terror and for the purpose of state security. In China, Islamophobia has effectively been state-sanctioned, legislated, and securitized.