bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narratives and processes – Developing a responsive parent–child program to empower local facilitators in a remote Aboriginal community
Authors: Stock Carolin , Punguatji Maggie Kerinaiua , Cubillo Carmen , Robinson Gary
Published: February 2021

This article presents the results of a retrospective study that critically examines the development of a responsive parent–child program from conceptualisation to pilot implementation. The development of the Play to Connect program was a continuation of research translation work of the Let’s Start parenting program which was delivered in remote Aboriginal communities across the Northern Territory, Australia from 2005–2016. The impetus for the Play to Connect program came from the community need for parenting support that could be delivered by local Aboriginal workers living in the community. The aim was to bring research and community together through the co-creation of contextually relevant knowledge directly useful for local Aboriginal facilitators. Embedded in a dynamic cycle of planning, delivery, observation and reflection, the team of local Aboriginal staff and visiting practitioners designed and piloted an innovative, user-friendly and adaptable parent–child program which was underpinned by the evaluation findings of an existing program, drawing on the framework of play therapy. The 2.5 year long process of development brought about action and change for the local Aboriginal staff. They valued the co-creation of the program and resources and reported increased knowledge of child development and confidence to deliver family support in their community. This study shows that the development of Play to Connect was more than “tailoring” a parenting program – it was a way of creating sustainable support around a program to increase the chances of continuity of implementation and successful community engagement and development.
“We have never been public:” Continuity and change in the policy production of “the public” in education in England
Authors: Clarke Matthew , Mills Martin
Published: February 2021

Recent educational reforms in England have sought to reshape public education by extending central government control of curriculum and assessment, while replacing local government control of schools with a quasi-private system of academies and multi academy trusts. In this paper, we resist reading this as the latest iteration of the debate between “traditional” and “progressive” education. Instead, we note how, despite the mobilisation of the rhetoric of the public and public education, schooling in England has never been public in any deeply meaningful sense. We develop a genealogical reading of public education in England, in which ideas of British universalism – “the public” – and inequality and exclusion in education and society have not been opposed but have gone hand-in-hand. This raises the question whether it is possible to envisage and enact another form of collective – one that is based on action rather than fantasy and that is co-authored by, comprising, and exists for, the people. The final part of this paper seeks to grapple with this challenge, in the context of past, present and future potential developments in education, and to consider possibilities for the imaginary reconstitution of public education in England in the twenty-first century.
Effect of Incentive Amount on U.S. Adolescents’ Participation in an Accelerometer Data Collection Component of a National Survey
Authors: Oh April Y. , Caporaso Andrew , Davis Terisa , Dwyer Laura A. , Nebeling Linda C. , Liu Benmei , Hennessy Erin
Published: February 2021

Behavioral research increasingly uses accelerometers to provide objective estimates of physical activity. This study extends research on methods for collecting accelerometer data among youth by examining whether the amount of a monetary incentive affects enrollment and compliance in a mail-based accelerometer study of adolescents. We invited a subset of adolescents in a national web-based study to wear an accelerometer for seven days and return it by mail; participants received either $20 or $40 for participating. Enrollment did not significantly differ by incentive amount. However, adolescents receiving the $40 incentive had significantly higher compliance (accelerometer wear and return). This difference was largely consistent across demographic subgroups. Those in the $40 group also wore the accelerometer for more time than the $20 group on the first two days of the study. Compared to $20, a $40 incentive may promote youth completion of mail-based accelerometer studies.
Examining Depression Symptoms With/Without Coexisting Anxiety Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Persons With Dementia
Authors: Sibley Alexandra A. , Shrestha Srijana , Lipovac-Dew Martha , Kunik Mark E.
Published: February 2021

Depression and anxiety are common in persons with dementia (PWD) and associated with poor outcomes. We explored frequency, pharmacologic management and mental health service use in PWD and depression symptoms with/without coexisting anxiety symptoms. The sample comprised 160 community-dwelling PWD in a trial to prevent development of aggression. Baseline data on depression and anxiety symptoms, psychotropic medications and mental health service use were examined. Regarding participants, 65 (41%) lacked clinically significant depression or anxiety symptoms, 45 (28%) had depression symptoms, 43 (27%) had depression and anxiety symptoms, and 7 (4%) had anxiety symptoms. Comorbid anxiety was associated with more severe depression symptoms. One third with depression symptoms and one half with depression and anxiety symptoms were taking an antidepressant. Mental health service use was very low, regardless of depression symptom severity or coexisting anxiety. Research needs to evaluate therapies for depressed PWD, but treatment of those with comorbid anxiety and depression is more urgent. Clinical Trial Registration for Parent Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02380703)
Nuclear translocation of β-catenin induced by E-cadherin endocytosis causes recurrent erosion of diabetic cornea
Authors: Ma Wenbei , Xie Zhengyuan , Chen Hui , Zeng Lina , Chen Xiaohong , Feng Songfu , Lu Xiaohe
Published: February 2021

Recurrent epithelial erosion and refractory corneal ulcer are the clinical features of diabetic keratopathy (DK), which eventually lead to corneal scar and visual disturbance. In this study, we sought to determine the abnormalities of cell junction in diabetic corneal epithelial cells and the effect of high glucose on the β-catenin/E-cadherin complex. Corneal histology showed that corneal epithelial cells of high glucose mice were loosely arranged, and the immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of E-cadherin decreased, the levels of β-catenin increased in nuclear. High glucose-induced degradation and endocytosis of E-cadherin of corneal epithelial cells reduce the formation of β-catenin/E-cadherin complex and promote the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Moreover, high glucose also activated the transcription and expression of matrix metallopeptidase and snail, which interfered with the adhesion of corneal epithelial cells to the basement membrane. These findings reveal that DK is associated with the dissociation of cell junctions. The maintenance of the stability of the β-catenin/E-cadherin complex may be a potential therapeutic target of refractory corneal ulcers in patients with diabetes.
Inhibition of glioma by adenovirus KGHV500 encoding anti-p21Ras scFv and carried by cytokine-induced killer cells
Authors: Qian Jing , Yang Mo , Feng Qiang , Pan Xin-Yan , Yang Li-Lin , Yang Ju-Lun
Published: February 2021

Ras gene mutation or overexpression can lead to tumorigenesis in multiple kinds of cancer, including glioma. However, no drugs targeting Ras or its expression products have been approved for clinical application thus far. Adenoviral gene therapy is a promising method for the treatment of glioma. In this study, the human glioma cell line U251 was co-cultured with recombinant adenovirus KGHV500, and the anti-tumor effects of KGHV500 were determined by MTT, scratch test, Transwell invasion, and apoptosis assays. Then, KGHV500 was delivered via the intravenous injection of CIK cells into glioma xenografts. Tumor volume, ki67 proliferation index, apoptosis levels, and anti-p21Ras scFv expression were tested to evaluate targeting ability, anti-tumor efficacy, and safety. We found that the KGHV500 exhibited anti-tumor activity in U251 cells and increased the intracellular expression of anti-p21Ras scFv compared with that in the control groups. CIK cells delivered KGHV500 to U251 glioma cell xenografts and enhanced anti-tumor activity against glioma xenografts compared to that produced by the control treatment. In conclusion, targeting Ras is a useful therapeutic strategy for gliomas and other Ras-driven cancers, and the delivery of anti-p21Ras scFv by recombinant adenovirus and CIK cells may play an essential role in the therapy of Ras-driven cancers.
Tools, techniques, and future opportunities for characterizing the mechanobiology of uterine myometrium
Authors: Maxey Antonina P , McCain Megan L
Published: February 2021

The myometrium is the smooth muscle layer of the uterus that generates the contractions that drive processes such as menstruation and childbirth. Aberrant contractions of the myometrium can result in preterm birth, insufficient progression of labor, or other difficulties that can lead to maternal or fetal complications or even death. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of these conditions, the most common model systems have conventionally been animal models and human tissue strips, which have limitations mostly related to relevance and scalability, respectively. Myometrial smooth muscle cells have also been isolated from patient biopsies and cultured in vitro as a more controlled experimental system. However, in vitro approaches have focused primarily on measuring the effects of biochemical stimuli and neglected biomechanical stimuli, despite the extensive evidence indicating that remodeling of tissue rigidity or excessive strain is associated with uterine disorders. In this review, we first describe the existing approaches for modeling human myometrium with animal models and human tissue strips and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Next, we introduce existing in vitro techniques and assays for assessing contractility and summarize their applications in elucidating the role of biochemical or biomechanical stimuli on human myometrium. Finally, we conclude by proposing the translation of “organ on chip” approaches to myometrial smooth muscle cells as new paradigms for establishing their fundamental mechanobiology and to serve as next-generation platforms for drug development.
Salzburg Criteria, A Useful Tool in Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus Diagnosis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Domínguez Adriana Gómez , Mateo Montero Raidili C. , Díaz Cid Alba , Mazarro Antonio J. P. , Bailly-Bailliere Ignacio R. , Landete Isabel M. S. , Palomeque Guillermo M.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) has been traditionally a challenging electroencephalographic (EEG) diagnosis. For this reason, Salzburg consensus criteria (SCC) have been proposed to facilitate correct diagnosis. Methods. We retrospectively reanalyzed 41 cases referred to our department (from 2016 to 2018) under the suspicion of NCSE. In this study, we compared the original description (standard criteria) versus the updated description (SCC) of the same EEG. Results. Originally, 15 patients were diagnosed as NCSE (37%) and 26 patients as no NCSE (63%), using the standard criteria. Then, we analyzed EEGs according to the SCC, which led to the following results: 9 patients fulfilled the criteria for definite NCSE (22%), 20 patients were diagnosed as possible NCSE (49%) and 12 patients were diagnosed as no NCSE (29%). Subsequently, when we analyze the outcome of possible NCSE cases, we note that 50% of these patients presented mild-poor outcome (neurological deficits, deceased). Indeed, we observed worse outcomes in patients previously diagnosed as no NCSE and untreated, specifically post-anoxic cases. Conclusions. Salzburg criteria seem to be a useful tool to support NCSE diagnosis, introducing the category of possible NCSE. In our study, we observed that it contributes to improving the prognosis and management of the patients. However, more prospective studies are needed to demonstrate the accuracy of SCC.
Which Principal is the Right Principal? Student Achievement, School Finances, and Community Stakeholders
Authors: Nielsen Sarah R. , Taggart Amanda
Published: February 2021

When a struggling high school may be placed on turnaround status during a bid for a school bond, the district considers replacing a beloved principal with a record of low test scores with an unpopular principal whose record shows increased student achievement. The school board must decide whether to prioritize finances, community support, student achievement, or state-level demands. This case presents many difficult decisions schools and districts are required to make. Key factors discussed in the case include principal turnover, student academic achievement, teacher retention, school culture, and power.
Life prediction of heavy-load self-lubricating liners
Authors: Hao Xiuhong , Wang Shuqiang , Huo Panqiang , Pan Deng
Published: February 2021

To address the issues of long testing periods and small sample sizes while evaluating the service life of heavy-load self-lubricating liners, we propose a succinct method based on Monte Carlo simulation that is significantly fast and requires a small sample size. First, the support vector regression algorithm was applied to fit the degradation trajectories of the wear depth, and the first and second characteristic parameter vectors of the wear depth as well as the corresponding distribution models were obtained. Next, sample expansion was performed using Monte Carlo simulation and the inverse transform method. Finally, based on the failure criterion of the self-lubricating liner, the service lives and distribution models of the expanded samples were obtained; subsequently, the corresponding reliability life indices were provided. Our results indicate that when the expanded sample was large enough, the proposed prediction method exhibited a relatively high prediction accuracy. Therefore, these results provide theoretical support for shortening the testing cycle used to evaluate the service life of self-lubricating liners and for accelerating the research and development of self-lubricating spherical plain bearing products.
Multiparametric ultrasound imaging characteristics of multiple testicular adrenal rest tumours in congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Mansoor Nina M , Huang Dean Y , Sidhu Paul S
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Testicular adrenal rest cell tumours (TART) are rare benign adrenocorticotropic hormone-dependent testicular tumours, which can develop in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. If left untreated, they can cause testicular tissue damage and infertility. Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice allowing for non-invasive diagnosis provided that characteristic features are seen. In recent times, magnetic resonance imaging characteristics have also been described to aid diagnosis.

Case Report

This case describes the imaging features of multiple bilateral TART in a young patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Traditional greyscale and colour Doppler ultrasound demonstrated intratesticular, predominantly hypoechoic areas, with increased surrounding colour Doppler flow. In addition, contrast-enhanced ultrasound and strain elastography were performed, showing increased TART vascularisation and increased stiffness in the hypoechoic areas. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging confirmed bilateral lobulated, well demarcated, intratesticular lesions, which appeared predominantly isointense on T1-weighted imaging, hypointense on T2-weighted imaging, with heterogeneous enhancement following gadolinium administration.

Discussion

This case illustrates the sonographic features including greyscale, colour Doppler, contrast and elastography ultrasound of TART in a patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Both contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography can provide information about tissue properties not normally derived from conventional ultrasound and aid accurate diagnosis. Additional magnetic resonance imaging is not normally required with typical ultrasound appearances. The unusual findings seen on the ultrasound examination were likely secondary to poor compliance with treatment.

Conclusion

Familiarity and recognition of characteristic and uncommon imaging features of these tumours are important to avoid misdiagnosis and surgical intervention.
What Do New Findings About Social Interaction in Autistic Adults Mean for Neurodevelopmental Research?
Authors: Davis Rachael , Crompton Catherine J.
Published: February 2021

Deficit-based accounts of social and communication abilities continue to dominate autism research. However, emerging findings suggest that this view may be overly simplistic and discount the two-way nature of interaction. Here we discuss the reconceptualization of social cognition to consider such difficulties as examples of bidirectional, multifaceted misattunement between autistic and nonautistic individuals. Aligned with progressive theoretical frameworks, emerging empirical research indicates that mismatches in communication styles can contribute to autistic social difficulties and the important role that nonautistic difficulties play. We highlight two areas of future research with the aim of providing empirical support for the views that the autistic community has proposed over the past 2 decades. We discuss the impact of such a paradigm shift on a number of levels, including how bridging the gap between different interaction styles can reduce stigma and increase understanding. Adopting such a framework will provide radical opportunities for transformative societal changes and education around inclusion.
Long-term efficacy and safety of nucleos(t)ides analogues in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Roade Luisa , Riveiro-Barciela Mar , Esteban Rafael , Buti Maria
Published: February 2021

Nucleos(t)ide analogues with high barrier to resistance are regarded as the principal therapeutic option for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Treatment with entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil (TDF) and the later released tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is highly effective at controlling hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and, in the vast majority of patients, is well tolerated. No significant differences in viral suppression have been described among the different regimens, although an earlier achievement in biochemical response has been suggested first under TDF and recently under TAF. High barrier to resistance NAs rarely achieve hepatitis B surface antigen sero-clearance, and therefore should be maintained life-long in most cases. This has increased concerns about treatment-related toxicity, especially in patients under TDF with additional risk factors for kidney and bone impairment. TAF has shown a better bone and kidney safety profile than TDF, although it is not yet available worldwide due to its higher cost. Emergence of adverse events should be monitored since treatment-switch to ETV/TAF seems to be effective and safe in HBV mono-infected subjects. Finally, although an effective antiviral treatment leads to a clear improvement in clinical outcome of CHB patients; the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not completely avoided with viral suppression. Whether tenofovir-based regimens provide any additional benefit over ETV in HCC prevention remains unclear and requires further investigation.
The role of health promotion in the development of ear and hearing health services in the Pacific Islands : A literature review
Authors: Kaspar Annette , Pifeleti Sione , Driscoll Carlie
Published: February 2021

The Pacific Islands have among the highest rates of ear disease and hearing loss in the world. Ear and hearing health services are limited in this region; however, a significant proportion of avoidable hearing loss and disability may be addressed through public health promotion activities. In order to develop appropriate hearing health education campaigns and promotion initiatives, knowledge and attitude studies among target population groups are vital. This review aimed to summarize the research literature on knowledge and attitude to ear disease and hearing loss in the Pacific Islands in order to develop appropriate health promotion campaigns for our context in Samoa. PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched for relevant journal articles. Key search terms were ‘Pacific Islands’, ‘ear disease’, ‘hearing loss’, ‘knowledge’, ‘attitudes’, and their relevant synonyms. There was no limit on the date of publication. Only one journal article met the review criteria. Parental knowledge and attitude to childhood hearing loss and hearing services in the Solomon Islands was overwhelmingly positive (96%–99.3%). There was high parental awareness of ear disease as a cause of hearing loss among children (94%) and high parental awareness of public health initiatives aimed at reducing ear disease and hearing loss such as routine childhood immunizations (84%) and breastfeeding (76%). Knowledge and attitude studies among key stakeholders are needed to develop appropriate health promotion activities to reduce the preventable causes of hearing loss in the Pacific Islands. Health promotion activities should prioritize major public health issues of ear disease and noise-induced hearing loss.
A 48 year old male with wandering pleural effusion and pulmonary infiltration
Authors: Ning Weiwei , Yang Limin , Chen Yanbin , Chen Cheng
Published: February 2021

We reported a case of pulmonary paragonimiasis presenting as wandering pleural effusion and pulmonary infiltration. The patient had an explicit history of eating raw freshwater crabs 6 months earlier, and a test for serum antibodies to paragonimus was positive. This case illustrates the complex nature of pathological processes and immunological responses in the lungs and highlights the need to consider the existence of paragonimus infection.
Is Golf a Contact Sport? Protection of the Spine and Return to Play After Lumbar Surgery
Authors: Haddas Ram , Pipkin William , Hellman Dan , Voronov Leonard , Kwon Young-Hoo , Guyer Richard
Published: February 2021

Study Design:

Narrative review.

Objective:

To address the gap in the literature on specific return to play protocols and rehabilitation regimens for golfers undergoing lumbar spine surgery with a high impact swing.

Methods:

This review did not involve patient care or any clinical prospective or retrospective review of patient information and thus did not warrant institutional review board approval. The available literature of PubMed, Medline, and OVID was utilized to review the existing literature.

Results:

Studies have shown that the forces through the lumbar spine in the modern-era golf swing are like other contact sports. Methods of protecting the lumbar spine include proper swing mechanics, abdominal and paraspinal musculature strengthening and flexibility as well as physical fitness. There are a variety of treatment options available to treat lumbar spine pathology each with a different return to play recommendations from doctors in the field.

Conclusions:

With the introduction of a high impact, modern-era swing to the game of golf, the pathology is seen in the lumbar spine of both young, old, professional, and amateur golfers with low back pain are similar to other athletes in contact sports. Surgery is effective in returning athletes to a similar level of play even though no protocols exist for an effective and safe return. There have been many studies conducted to determine appropriate treatment and return to play for these injuries, but there is a gap in the literature on specific return to play protocols and rehabilitation regimens for golfers undergoing lumbar spine surgery with a high impact swing. As return to competitive play is important, especially with professional golfers, studies combining the use of swing mechanics changes, rehabilitation regimens and the type of surgery performed would be able to provide some insight into this topic now that golf may begin to be considered a contact sport.
Distribution Intensity and Purchase Behavior-mediating Role of Brand Equity in Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs): An Emerging Markets Perspective
Authors: Amoako George Kofi
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the relationship between distribution intensity and purchase behavior of customers in the downstream petroleum industry in Ghana mediated by brand equity. Brand equity components are brand perceived quality, brand awareness, brand association, and brand loyalty. The study revealed that there is a positive relationship between distribution intensity and purchase behavior through brand equity. Structural equation modelling was used to investigate the relationship among channel location, store availability (distribution intensity), and brand equity (brand loyalty, perceived quality, brand association and brand awareness) and purchase behavior. The study revealed that brand equity mediates the relationship between distribution intensity and purchase behavior in the oil marketing companies (OMCs) in Ghana. This study extends the applicability of brand equity as a mediating variable to enhance the impact of location and service mart availability on purchasing behavior of customers. Additionally, this study provides an in-depth understanding of how the various components of brand equity of OMCs brands contribute to drive consumption experience and continual usage of OMC channels in Ghana. This study is based on a cross-sectional design, and since user behavior may change over time, a longitudinal study will be useful in the future.
Driving development in the Amazon: Extending infrastructural citizenship with political ecology in Bolivia
Authors: Hope Jessica
Published: February 2021

In this paper, I extend the analytical framework of infrastructural citizenship with political ecology and reorientate analysis to rural geographies, extractive infrastructure and indigenous territorial movements. Drawing from recent fieldwork in Bolivia, I argue that an extended conceptual framework of ‘infrastructural ecological citizenship’ better acknowledges the multiple, changing and contested ways that people and rural places co-exist and how these relationships are being reworked as infrastructure and citizenship are co-constituted. I use this framework to analyse a conflict over road building in an indigenous territory and national park in lowland Bolivia – the Isiboro Sécure Indigenous Territory and National Park ( Territorio Indígena y Parque Nacional Isiboro Sécure; TIPNIS), revealing how the road building project weakened the pre-existing political and material infrastructures that underpinned modes of indigenous territorial citizenship within Bolivia’s Plurinational State, as well as foregrounding how transnational extractive capital has shaped negotiations of territorial place-based citizenship in the TIPNIS. In doing so, I contribute to debates on infrastructural citizenship, resource extraction and sustainable development, revealing the ongoing potency of place-based claims on land and related claims for territorial citizenship.
Kinase inhibitors developed for treatment of hematologic malignancies: implications for immune modulation in COVID-19
Authors: Jacobs Chaja F. , Eldering Eric , Kater Arnon P.
Published: February 2021

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used to target dysregulated signaling pathways in virtually all hematologic malignancies. Many of the targeted signaling pathways are also essential in nonmalignant immune cells. The current coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic catalyzed clinical exploration of TKIs in the treatment of the various stages of COVID-19, which are characterized by distinct immune-related complications. Most of the reported effects of TKIs on immune regulation have been explored in vitro, with different class-specific drugs having nonoverlapping target affinities. Moreover, many of the reported in vivo effects are based on artificial animal models or on observations made in symptomatic patients with a hematologic malignancy who often already suffer from disturbed immune regulation. Based on in vitro and clinical observations, we attempt to decipher the impact of the main TKIs approved or in late-stage development for the treatment of hematological malignancies, including inhibitors of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, spleen tyrosine kinase, BCR-Abl, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/ mammalian target of rapamycin, JAK/STAT, and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3, to provide a rationale for how such inhibitors could modify clinical courses of diseases, such as COVID-19.
Analytical Model for the Channel Maximum Temperature in Ga2O3 MOSFETs
Authors: Jia Xiaole , Hu Haodong , Han Genquan , Liu Yan , Hao Yue
Published: February 2021

In this work, we proposed an accurate analytical model for the estimation of the channel maximum temperature of Ga2O3 MOSFETs with native or high-thermal-conductivity substrates. The thermal conductivity of Ga2O3 is anisotropic and decreases significantly with increasing temperature, which both are important for the thermal behavior of Ga2O3 MOSFETs and thus considered in the model. Numerical simulations are performed via COMSOL Multiphysics to investigate the dependence of channel maximum temperature on power density by varying device geometric parameters and ambient temperature, which shows good agreements with analytical model, providing the validity of this model. The new model is instructive in effective thermal management of Ga2O3 MOSFETs.
Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Composite Materials for Batch or Chromatographic Biomolecule Separation
Authors: Schwaminger Sebastian P. , Brammen Markus W. , Zunhammer Florian , Däumler Nicklas , Fraga-García Paula , Berensmeier Sonja
Published: February 2021

Carbon-based materials are the spearhead of research in multiple fields of nanotechnology. Moreover, their role as stationary phase in chromatography is gaining relevance. We investigate a material consisting of multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles towards its use as a mixed-mode chromatography material. The idea is to immobilize the ion exchange material iron oxide on CNTs as a stable matrix for chromatography processes without a significant pressure drop. Iron oxide nanoparticles are synthesized and used to decorate the CNTs via a co-precipitation route. They bind to the walls of oxidized CNTs, thereby enabling to magnetically separate the composite material. This hybrid material is investigated with transmission electron microscopy, magnetometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, we determine its specific surface area and its wetting behavior. We also demonstrate its applicability as chromatography material for amino acid retention, describing the adsorption and desorption of different amino acids in a complex porous system surrounded by aqueous media. Thus, this material can be used as chromatographic matrix and as a magnetic batch adsorbent material due to the iron oxide nanoparticles. Our work contributes to current research on composite materials. Such materials are necessary for developing novel industrial applications or improving the performance of established processes.
Outdoor air pollution and diminished ovarian reserve among infertile Korean women
Authors: Kim Hannah , Choe Seung-Ah , Kim Ok-Jin , Kim Sun-Young , Kim Seulgi , Im Changmin , Kim You Shin , Yoon Tae Ki
Published: February 2021

Background

Mounting evidence implicates an association between ambient air pollution and impaired reproductive potential of human. Our study aimed to assess the association between air pollution and ovarian reserve in young, infertile women.

Methods

Our study included 2276 Korean women who attended a single fertility center in 2016–2018. Women’s exposure to air pollution was assessed using concentrations of particulate matter (PM10and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) that had been collected at 269 air quality monitoring sites. Exposure estimates were computed for 1, 3, 6, and 12 months prior to the ovarian reserve tests. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) ratio (defined as an observed-to-expected AMH based on age) and low AMH (defined as < 0.5 ng/mL) were employed as indicators of ovarian reserve. We included a clustering effect of 177 districts in generalized estimating equations approach. A secondary analysis was conducted restricting the analyses to Seoul residents to examine the association in highly urbanized setting.

Results

The mean age was 36.6 ± 4.2 years and AMH level was 3.3 ± 3.1 ng/mL in the study population. Average AMH ratio was 0.8 ± 0.7 and low AMH was observed in 10.3% of women (n=235). The average concentration of six air pollutants was not different between the normal ovarian reserve and low AMH groups for all averaging periods. In multivariable models, an interquartile range (IQR)-increase in 1 month-average PM10was associated with decrease in AMH ratio among total population (β= −0.06, 95% confidence interval: −0.11, 0.00). When we restrict our analysis to those living in Seoul, IQR-increases in 1 and 12 month-average PM2.5were associated with 3% (95% CI: −0.07, 0.00) and 10% (95% CI: −0.18, −0.01) decrease in AMH ratio. The ORs per IQR increase in the six air pollutants were close to null in total population and Seoul residents.

Conclusions

In a cohort of infertile Korean women, there was a suggestive evidence of the negative association between ambient PM concentration and ovarian reserve, highlighting the potential adverse impact of air pollution on women’s fertility.
Knowledge of non-healthcare individuals towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a cross-sectional study in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhussein Reema M. , Albarrak Mansoor M. , Alrabiah Abdulaziz A. , Aljerian Nawfal A. , Bin Salleeh Hashim M. , Hersi Ahmad S. , Wani Tariq A. , Al Aseri Zohair A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Most sudden cardiac arrests occur at home, with low rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation being performed. We aimed to assess knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among individuals in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, who are not involved in health care.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and February 2020 in 4 different areas in Riyadh City: North, South, East, and West. The participants were surveyed using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 was used for inferential statistics and binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 856 participants completed the questionnaire, 51.8% were unaware of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Only 4.4% of the participants had attended a formal cardiopulmonary resuscitation training course, 5.1% were campaign attendees, and 38.7% acquired their experience through the media. Having a higher level of education was positively associated with having knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The main concern among attendees of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training courses and campaigns was legal issues, whereas inadequate knowledge was the major barrier for those who had learned about cardiopulmonary resuscitation through the media.

Conclusion

The level of knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among non-health care individuals in Riyadh City was found to be insufficient. Therefore, coordinated efforts among different authorities should be considered to implement a structured strategy aiming to increase awareness and knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among non-health care individuals.
Two Novel QTLs for the Harvest Index that Contribute to High-Yield Production in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Saito Hiroki , Fukuta Yoshimichi , Obara Mitsuhiro , Tomita Asami , Ishimaru Tsutomu , Sasaki Kazuhiro , Fujita Daisuke , Kobayashi Nobuya
Published: February 2021

Background

The harvest index (HI) is a measure of the biological success of forming harvestable products. However, our understanding of the genetic basis of HI in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is limited, because it is a complex trait consisting of various yield-related traits and physiological attributes. YTH183 is a high-yielding line with large panicles and high HI derived from a cross between the Indica Group variety IR 64 and the NPT line IR 69093-41-2-3-2 (YP5).

Results

Here, we detected two novel QTLs for HI, designated qHI5.1 on chromosome 5 and qHI8.1 on chromosome 8, by using 155 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross between IR 64 and YTH183. The YTH183 allele at qHI5.1 contributed to a wide grain, resulting in heavy grain weight and panicle weight, and was consistently effective under the different environmental conditions of subtropical (Ishigaki) and temperate (Tsukuba) regions. Genetic polymorphism revealed that qHI5.1 was identical to GSE5/GW5, which is known to control the grain weight. On the other hand, although qHI8.1 functioned additively with qHI5.1 for higher HI, it did not show any significant effect on grain or panicle weight. In addition, its effects on HI were shown only in the first seasons at Ishigaki but not at Tsukuba or in the second season at Ishigaki.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that qHI5.1 controls the grain size, regardless of whether environmental conditions are of subtropical or temperate regions, while qHI8.1 might be involved in controlling the physiological processes of source ability or the translocation of photosynthesis products from vegetative organs to grains depending on environmental conditions during the maturing stage. These QTLs will be useful genetic resources for future breeding programs to break through the ceiling of maximum yield in Indica Group varieties.
Laboratory and field studies on the use of artificial mussels as a monitoring tool of platinum exposure in the freshwater environment
Authors: Labuschagne Marelize , Zimmermann Sonja , Smit Nico J. , Erasmus Johannes H. , Nachev Milen , Sures Bernd , Wepener Victor
Published: February 2021

Background

The artificial mussel (AM) is a passive sampling device that was originally developed for monitoring metal concentrations in the marine environment, but is also increasingly used in freshwater environments. The AM consists of a non-permeable Perspex tube, which is closed on both sides with a semi-permeable membrane. The space in between contains Chelex-100 beads, which bind metals. The AM allows the determination of the dissolved, bioaccessible metal fraction in water bodies without killing organisms, as well as environments with unfavorable conditions for living bioindicators. In the present study, the use of the AM was adapted for the monitoring of platinum (Pt) in a freshwater ecosystem.

Results

The elution of Pt from the Chelex-100 beads was optimized. Two modifications to the original method for the use of AMs are recommended, i.e., washing and separation of the beads through centrifugation and elution with a mixture of 4.5 mL HNO3 and 0.5 mL HCl for approximately 2–3 h to ensure the release of all Pt bound to the beads. Additionally, the uptake kinetics of the AM were determined under laboratory conditions over a wide exposure concentration range (0.1–1000 µg/L) showing highly correlated Pt accumulation in the AMs with the aqueous exposure concentration. For the tested Pt exposure concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µg/L, the Pt concentrations in the AMs increased during the exposure period of 6 weeks. At the highest exposure concentration of 1000 µg/L, the increase stagnated after 3 weeks. To validate the AM in the field, the Pt accumulation of the AM was assessed together with that of freshwater clams (Corbicula fluminalis africana), muscle and liver tissue of the three fish species sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), as well as water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes) at two sampling sites in the Pt mining area of South Africa.

Conclusion

Results from the present study showed that the AM is a promising tool to monitor Pt concentrations in the freshwater environment at contaminated sites.
Optimum mating designs for exploiting dominance in genomic selection schemes for aquaculture species
Authors: Fernández Jesús , Villanueva Beatriz , Toro Miguel Angel
Published: February 2021

Background

In commercial fish, dominance effects could be exploited by predicting production abilities of the offspring that would be generated by different mating pairs and choosing those pairs that maximise the average offspring phenotype. Consequently, matings would be performed to reduce inbreeding depression. This can be achieved by applying mate selection (MS) that combines selection and mating decisions in a single step. An alternative strategy to MS would be to apply minimum coancestry mating (MCM) after selection based on estimated breeding values. The objective of this study was to evaluate, by computer simulations, the potential benefits that can be obtained by implementing MS or MCM based on genomic data for exploiting dominance effects when creating commercial fish populations that are derived from a breeding nucleus.

Methods

The selected trait was determined by a variable number of loci with additive and dominance effects. The population consisted of 50 full-sib families with 30 offspring each. Males and females with the highest estimated genomic breeding values were selected in the nucleus and paired using the MCM strategy. Both MCM and MS were used to create the commercial population.

Results

For a moderate number of SNPs, equal or even higher mean phenotypic values are obtained by selecting on genomic breeding values and then applying MCM than by using MS when the trait exhibited substantial inbreeding depression. This could be because MCM leads to high levels of heterozygosity across the whole genome, even for loci affecting the trait that are in linkage equilibrium with the SNPs. In contrast, MS specifically promotes heterozygosity for SNPs for which a dominance effect has been detected.

Conclusions

In most scenarios, for the management of aquaculture breeding programs it seems advisable to follow the MCM strategy when creating the commercial population, especially for traits with large inbreeding depression. Moreover, MCM has the appealing property of reducing inbreeding levels, with a corresponding reduction in inbreeding depression for traits beyond those included in the selection objective.
Male genital lobe morphology affects the chance to copulate in Drosophila pachea
Authors: Lefèvre Bénédicte M. , Catté Diane , Courtier-Orgogozo Virginie , Lang Michael
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Male genitalia are thought to ensure transfer of sperm through direct physical contact with female during copulation. However, little attention has been given to their pre-copulatory role with respect to sexual selection and sexual conflict. Males of the fruitfly Drosophila pachea have a pair of asymmetric external genital lobes, which are primary sexual structures and stabilize the copulatory complex of female and male genitalia. We wondered if genital lobes in D. pachea may have a role before or at the onset of copulation, before genitalia contacts are made.

Results

We tested this hypothesis with a D. pachea stock where males have variable lobe lengths. In 92 mate competition trials with a single female and two males, females preferentially engaged into a first copulation with males that had a longer left lobe and that displayed increased courtship vigor. In 53 additional trials with both males having partially amputated left lobes of different lengths, we observed a weaker and non-significant effect of left lobe length on copulation success. Courtship durations significantly increased with female age and when two males courted the female simultaneously, compared to trials with only one courting male. In addition, lobe length did not affect sperm transfer once copulation was established.

Conclusion

Left lobe length affects the chance of a male to engage into copulation. The morphology of this primary sexual trait may affect reproductive success by mediating courtship signals or by facilitating the establishment of genital contacts at the onset of copulation.
Multi-scale comparative transcriptome analysis reveals key genes and metabolic reprogramming processes associated with oil palm fruit abscission
Authors: Fooyontphanich Kim , Morcillo Fabienne , Joët Thierry , Dussert Stéphane , Serret Julien , Collin Myriam , Amblard Philippe , Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke , Roongsattham Peerapat , Jantasuriyarat Chatchawan , Verdeil Jean-Luc , Tranbarger Timothy J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Fruit abscission depends on cell separation that occurs within specialized cell layers that constitute an abscission zone (AZ). To determine the mechanisms of fleshy fruit abscission of the monocot oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) compared with other abscission systems, we performed multi-scale comparative transcriptome analyses on fruit targeting the developing primary AZ and adjacent tissues.

Results

Combining between-tissue developmental comparisons with exogenous ethylene treatments, and naturally occurring abscission in the field, RNAseq analysis revealed a robust core set of 168 genes with differentially regulated expression, spatially associated with the ripe fruit AZ, and temporally restricted to the abscission timing. The expression of a set of candidate genes was validated by qRT-PCR in the fruit AZ of a natural oil palm variant with blocked fruit abscission, which provides evidence for their functions during abscission. Our results substantiate the conservation of gene function between dicot dry fruit dehiscence and monocot fleshy fruit abscission. The study also revealed major metabolic transitions occur in the AZ during abscission, including key senescence marker genes and transcriptional regulators, in addition to genes involved in nutrient recycling and reallocation, alternative routes for energy supply and adaptation to oxidative stress.

Conclusions

The study provides the first reference transcriptome of a monocot fleshy fruit abscission zone and provides insight into the mechanisms underlying abscission by identifying key genes with functional roles and processes, including metabolic transitions, cell wall modifications, signalling, stress adaptations and transcriptional regulation, that occur during ripe fruit abscission of the monocot oil palm. The transcriptome data comprises an original reference and resource useful towards understanding the evolutionary basis of this fundamental plant process.