bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7/A New Adriamycin Cell-Derived Exosomes on MCF-7 Cell Apoptosis and Drug Sensitivity Through Ubiquitin Carboxyl-Terminal Hydrolase L1
Authors: Li Chen , Wang Yu , Xu Na , Liu Xin
Published: January 2021

Exosomes secreted by adriamycin-resistant human breast cancer cell line MCF-7/ADR can promote the resistance of normal breast cancer cells. However, the exosomes? contents remain unclear. This article investigated the effect of UCHL1 in MCF-7/ADR-derived exosomes on MCF-7 cell apoptosis
and drug sensitivity. In this experiment, control group (NC group), Exosome group, Exosome+ siRNA-UCHL1 group were set followed by analysis of exosomes morphology by electron microscope, UCHL1 and Tubulin level by Western Blot, UCHL1 level by immunofluorescence, UCHL1 mRNA level by qRT-PCR,
cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, and drug sensitivity by MTT assay. The size and morphology of exosomes were normal with high expression of UCHL1 and CD63. Compared to NC group, UCHL1 level in Exosome group was significantly increased, while siRNAUCHL1 could reduce UCHL1 level; in addition,
Exosome group showed significantly decreased cell apoptosis (P < 0.01) which was elevated in Exosome+siRNA-UCHL1 group (P < 0.05); finally, drug sensitivity in Exosome group was significantly increased (P < 0.01) and decreased in the Exosome+siRNA-UCHL1 group
(P < 0.05). MCF-7/ADR-derived UCHL1 in exosome can increase UCHL1 level in MCF-7 cells, reduce cell apoptosis and drug sensitivity of cells.
miR-34a Reverses Doxorubicin Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ye Guolin , He Suqun , Pan Ruilin , Zhu Lewei , Zhou Dan , Lu RuiLiang
Published: January 2021

Chemotherapy is effectively used for treating breast cancer, but the problem of tumor resistance to chemotherapy drugs has been plaguing scientists. Our study investigated miR-34a?s effect on the sensitivity of drug-resistant strains to chemotherapeutic drugs using doxorubicin-resistant
strains of breast cancer cells. Cell survival rate was detected by MTT assay. The doxorubicin-resistant strain rMCF-7 was obtained. The cell scratching method and CCK-8 method were used to detect cell migration and proliferation.Western Blot was performed for measuring SIRT1, p-AKT, AKT, p-mTOR
and mTOR level. miR-34a significantly reduced the survival rate o doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cell line rMCF-7 and significantly enhanced doxorubicin?s effect on inhibiting cell proliferation and cell migration. Compared with the doxorubicin group alone, miR-34a and doxorubicin combination
group significantly downregulated SIRT1, p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR related proteins in rMCF-7 cells. miR-34a can reverse the resistance of doxorubicin in breast cancer in vitro and the mechanism may be through inhibition of SIRT and AKT signaling.
Nur77 Increases Glucose Transport in Mouse Skeletal Muscle Cells by Activating p38MAPK Under Lipotoxicity
Authors: Xu Yan , Zhang Ming , Wang Jianying , Gao Tianwei
Published: January 2021

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a common disease in clinic and belongs to a metabolic disease. Related studies have shown that Nur77 regulates sugar metabolism in a variety of tissue cells. Nur77 (orphan nuclear receptor) is a transcription factor and involves in glucose metabolism are different
in skeletal muscle cells via p38MAPK signaling pathway. In the study, an IR model was to explore the mechanism of skeletal muscle IR. L6 myocytes were cultured and control, Nur77 knockout and Nur77 overexpression group was set followed by analysis of L6 muscle cell morphology, activity by
MTT assay, glucose concentration by glucose oxidase-peroxidase (GOD-POD) p-p38MAPK and skeletal muscle glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) level by western blot. After 8 to 12 hours of culture, the boundaries between cells were unknown with irregular order and no muscle-shaped structure. The cell
morphology was mainly spindle-shaped and triangular. After 2 to 3 days, cell arrangement was regular and morphology was mainly spindle-shaped. The cell activity and glucose concentration in control group at different time points showed no differences which were significantly different in knockout
and overexpression group with significantly higher cell activity and glucose concentration for overexpression group than knockout and control group (P < 0.05). In addition, overexpression group also showed significantly increased expression of p-p38MAPK4 and GLUT4. Nur77 can increase
glucose transport under lipotoxic state by activating p38MAPK signaling pathway and increasing the protein expression of p-p38MAPK and GLUT4 in muscle cells.
Evaluation of Seasonal Forecasts for the Fire Season in Interior Alaska
Authors: Sampath Akila , Bhatt Uma S. , Bieniek Peter A. , Ziel Robert , York Alison , Strader Heidi , Alden Sharon , Thoman Richard , Brettschneider Brian , Petrescu Eugene , Peng Peitao , Mitchell Sarah
Published: January 2021

In this study, seasonal forecasts from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), are compared with station observations to assess their usefulness in producing accurate buildup index (BUI) forecasts for the fire season in Interior Alaska. These comparisons indicate that the CFSv2 June–July–August (JJA) climatology (1994–2017) produces negatively biased BUI forecasts because of negative temperature and positive precipitation biases. With quantile mapping (QM) correction, the temperature and precipitation forecasts better match the observations. The long-term JJA mean BUI improves from 12 to 42 when computed using the QM-corrected forecasts. Further postprocessing of the QM-corrected BUI forecasts using the quartile classification method shows anomalously high values for the 2004 fire season, which was the worst on record in terms of the area burned by wildfires. These results suggest that the QM-corrected CFSv2 forecasts can be used to predict extreme fire events. An assessment of the classified BUI ensemble members at the subseasonal scale shows that persistently occurring BUI forecasts exceeding 150 in the cumulative drought season can be used as an indicator that extreme fire events will occur during the upcoming season. This study demonstrates the ability of QM-corrected CFSv2 forecasts to predict the potential fire season in advance. This information could, therefore, assist fire managers in resource allocation and disaster response preparedness.
Experimental study of a modified drafting system based on the ring spinning frame
Authors: Cui Yuemin , Song Hong , Cheng Longdi , Deng Wansheng , Ji Yijun
Published: January 2021

A systematic study of a modified drafting system based on the ring spinning frame, which is called the SDS (soft drafting system), is reported in this article to raise yarn quality. Two parts of an experiment were conducted to investigate differences between the conventional and modified drafting systems by spinning three kinds of yarns (in part I) and the effects of process parameters (block gauge, pressure on the front rollers and break draft) on the SDS by using response surface methodology (RSM) to spin 18.2 tex cotton yarn (in part II). The results show that the SDS can significantly improve yarn evenness and reduce yarn imperfections of thick places by +35% and +50%, respectively, and neps by +140% per km. In addition, it is noted that the three parameters are all statistically significant for the SDS to spin yarns, while interactions between them are not. More importantly, RSM predicted a minimum CVm% of 13.95% under the optimum conditions of 1.75 mm, 190 N and 1.21 for the block gauge, pressure on the front rollers and break draft, respectively, which is very close to the conditions of the practical spinning test.
Vestibular Dysfunction and Gross Motor Milestone Acquisition in Children With Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review
Authors: Singh Anisha , Raynor Eileen M. , Lee Janet W. , Smith Sherri L. , Heet Hannah , Garrison Doug , Wrigley Jordan , Kaylie David M. , Riska Kristal M.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To describe the impact of vestibular dysfunction on gross motor development in children with hearing loss.

Data Sources

MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate), and the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (EBSCO).

Review Methods

A systematic review was reported in concordance with the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses). Articles on children with hearing loss who underwent at least 1 instrumented measure of vestibular function and had gross motor milestones assessed were included. The Downs and Black checklist was used to assess risk of bias and methodological quality.

Results

Eleven articles were included in the systematic review. Three articles stratified quantitative results of gross motor milestone acquisition by severity of vestibular impairment. Over half of studies were case series published within the last 5 years. This systematic review showed that children with hearing loss and severe, bilateral vestibular dysfunction demonstrate delayed gross motor milestones. However, it was difficult to draw conclusions on whether milder forms of vestibular dysfunction significantly affect gross motor milestone acquisition in children with hearing loss. The reason is that most studies were of low to moderate quality, used different assessment methods, and contained results that were descriptive in nature.

Conclusions

This emerging area would benefit from future research, such as higher‐quality studies to assess vestibular function and gross motor milestones. This would allow for better characterization of the impacts of vestibular impairment, especially milder forms, in children with hearing loss.
Ambient Noise Levels and Wireless Headsets for Communication in Aerosolizing Otolaryngology Surgery During COVID‐19
Authors: Levin Marc , Zhou Kelvin , Sommer Ethan C. , McHugh Tobial , Sommer Doron D.
Published: January 2021

The objective of this short scientific communication is to describe and test a strategy to overcome communication barriers in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) era otolaryngology operating rooms. Thirteen endoscopic sinus surgeries, 4 skull base surgeries, and 1 tracheotomy were performed with powered air‐purifying respirators. During these surgeries, surgical team members donned headsets with microphones linked via conference call. Noise measurements and survey responses were obtained and compared to pre–COVID‐19 data. Noise was problematic and caused miscommunication as per 93% and 76% of respondents, respectively. Noise in COVID‐19 era operating rooms was significantly higher compared to pre–COVID‐19 era data (73.8 vs 70.2 decibels, P =. 04). Implementation of this headset strategy significantly improved communication. Respondents with headsets were less likely to encounter communication problems (31% vs 93%, P <. 001). Intraoperative measures to protect surgical team members during aerosolizing surgeries may impair communication. Linking team members via a conference call is a solution to improve communication.
Kambakutaisoto Treatment for Children With Night Crying and Arousal Parasomnias Developed During Prolonged Hospitalization for Hematological and Oncological Diseases
Authors: Kawashima Nozomu
Published: January 2021

Objective:

The lack of an established treatment standard prompted an examination of whether kambakutaisoto, an herbal formula, is effective for non–rapid eye movement (NREM)–related parasomnias and night crying (provisionally defined as an infantile form of arousal parasomnia).

Methods:

This study included 137 children aged median 4.1 years (range, 0.02–18.5) who were admitted for hematological and oncological diseases.

Results:

Of 137, 3 children developed recurrent episodes of NREM-related parasomnias, and 3 developed night crying. The proportion of children with night-crying/parasomnia receiving invasive procedures was significantly higher than those without (100% vs. 47%, P = .013). All 6 children with night crying/parasomnia received kambakutaisoto at a dose of 0.13–0.22 g/kg per os and responded from the start of administration with a significant reduction in the number of episodes. No adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion:

Kambakutaisoto may be a safe and promising therapy for night crying and NREM-related parasomnias in children.
The elasto-plastic analysis of 3D-printed thermoplastics using the NNRPIM and a modified hill yield criterion
Authors: Rodrigues Daniel , Belinha J , Jorge RMN
Published: January 2021

The Fused Filament Fabrication is a 3D printing technology that allows the production of components and structures with complex geometries at low-cost, using thermoplastic materials as feedstock. This additive manufacturing technique is not yet extensively used in industries mainly due to parts’ anisotropy – which is the consequence of the deposition strategy – and residual stresses, caused by successive heating cycles. Thus, these topics have great influence on the non-linear mechanical performance of 3D printed parts. Additionally, the materials used in the Fused Filament Fabrication have distinct mechanical behaviours under tensile and compression loads. This work proposes a computational framework – using a meshless method as the numeric discretization technique, the Natural Neighbour Radial Point Interpolation method – capable to analyse the elastoplastic response of ductile materials showing distinct compressive and tensile responses, through the implementation of a modified version of the Hill yield surface. In those conditions, 3D-printed specimens of polylactic acid are tested experimentally and numerically using standard tensile and compression tests. The numerical approach is validated by comparing the numerical and the experimental curves. Then, the accuracy of the methodology is proved and the purpose of using the modified Hill yield criterion is clearly shown using a benchmark example.
Application of the global search algorithm to analyze the kinetic mechanism of the thermal decomposition of flexible polyurethane foam
Authors: Chen Yangui , He Hongzhou , Liu Zhongqing
Published: January 2021

Accurate thermal decomposition mechanism and kinetic parameters are helpful to analyze the combustion process of flexible polyurethane foam. The thermal decomposition process of flexible polyurethane foam products (amine derivatives) was ignored in the past. Three thermal decomposition mechanisms of flexible polyurethane foam were proposed according to the thermogravimetry experiment of flexible polyurethane foam in the nitrogen atmosphere, two of which included the thermal decomposition of amine derivatives. The global search algorithm was proposed to estimate the kinetic parameters of the thermal decomposition of solid material. The results show that the global search algorithm is efficient and accurate in estimating kinetic parameters. The results also show the thermal decomposition mechanism including the carbodiimide and polycarbondiimide can well describe the thermal decomposition process of flexible polyurethane foam and amine derivatives. The activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and reaction order of flexible polyurethane foam are 187.3 kJ mol−1, 1015.6 s−1, and 1.22, respectively.
Circulating nerve growth factor receptor positive cells are associated with severity and prognosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Goten Chiaki , Usui Soichiro , Takashima Shin‐ichiro , Inoue Oto , Okada Hirofumi , Shimojima Masaya , Sakata Kenji , Kawashiri Masaaki , Kaneko Shuichi , Takamura Masayuki
Published: January 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a disease with a poor prognosis, so early detection and treatment are very important. Sensitive and non‐invasive markers for PAH are urgently required. This study was performed to identify sensitive markers of the clinical severity and prognosis of PAH. Patients diagnosed with PAH (n = 30) and control participants (n = 15) were enrolled in this observational study. Major EPC and MSC markers (including CD34, CD133, VEGFR2, CD90, PDGFRα, and NGFR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) were assessed by flow cytometry. Associations of these markers with hemodynamic parameters (e.g. mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and cardiac index) were assessed. Patients with PAH were followed up for 12 months to assess the incidence of major adverse events, defined as death or lung transplantation. Levels of circulating EPC and MSC markers in PBMNCs were higher in patients with PAH than in control participants. Among the studied markers, nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) was significantly positively correlated with hemodynamic parameters. During the 12‐month follow‐up period, major‐event‐free survival was significantly higher in patients with PAH who had relatively low frequencies of NGFR positive cells than patients who had higher frequencies. These results suggested that the presence of circulating NGFR positive cells among PBMNCs may be a novel biomarker for the severity and prognosis of PAH.
Combined antegrade femur lengthening and distal deformity correction: a case series
Authors: Jardaly Achraf , Gilbert Shawn R.
Published: January 2021

Background

Leg length discrepancy is often associated with distal femur angular deformities such as valgus or flexion. This study aims to report a new technique for simultaneous limb lengthening and acute distal femoral angular correction.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing a single procedure was conducted. Patients included had a single operation where they underwent distal femur osteotomy stabilized with a plate followed by antegrade nailing with a magnetically controlled intramedullary lengthening nail (PRECICE, Ellipse Technologies, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) using a trochanteric entry.

Results

Seven femurs from 7 patients were included. The average age at operation was 13.6 years, and the leg length difference was 51 mm (range 30–105 mm). Associated deformities were valgus (4), knee flexion contracture (2), and both valgus and flexion contracture (1). Lengthening achieved was 43 mm (P = 0.0036), with a consolidation index of 27 days/cm and reliability of 0.87 (6/7). The 5 patients with angulation had an improvement of valgus from 12 to 4° (P = 0.006) and of the mechanical axis deviation from 34 to 3 mm (P = 0.0001). The range of motion also improved in the 3 patients with contractures. Preoperative gait disturbance, hip and knee pain, and functional scoliosis resolved after the limb deformities were corrected.

Conclusion

Combining a magnetic internal lengthening nail with a second distal osteotomy stabilized with a plate can successfully correct limb length and distal femur deformity acutely without altering the expected result of each procedure.
AP2/ERF and R2R3-MYB family transcription factors: potential associations between temperature stress and lipid metabolism in Auxenochlorella protothecoides
Authors: Xing Guanlan , Li Jinyu , Li Wenli , Lam Sin Man , Yuan Hongli , Shui Guanghou , Yang Jinshui
Published: January 2021

Background

Both APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) superfamily and R2R3-MYB family were from one of the largest diverse families of transcription factors (TFs) in plants, and played important roles in plant development and responses to various stresses. However, no systematic analysis of these TFs had been conducted in the green algae A. protothecoides heretofore. Temperature was a critical factor affecting growth and lipid metabolism of A. protothecoides. It also remained largely unknown whether these TFs would respond to temperature stress and be involved in controlling lipid metabolism process.

Results

Hereby, a total of six AP2 TFs, six ERF TFs and six R2R3-MYB TFs were identified and their expression profiles were also analyzed under low-temperature (LT) and high-temperature (HT) stresses. Meanwhile, differential adjustments of lipid pathways were triggered, with enhanced triacylglycerol accumulation. A co-expression network was built between these 18 TFs and 32 lipid-metabolism-related genes, suggesting intrinsic associations between TFs and the regulatory mechanism of lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

This study represented an important first step towards identifying functions and roles of AP2 superfamily and R2R3-MYB family in lipid adjustments and response to temperature stress. These findings would facilitate the biotechnological development in microalgae-based biofuel production and the better understanding of photosynthetic organisms’ adaptive mechanism to temperature stress.
Intestinal obstruction due to small bowel herniation through foramen of Winslow: a case report
Authors: Bandara P. K. B. S. C. , Viraj Rohana A. M. , Pathirana Aloka
Published: January 2021

Background

Intestinal obstruction due to internal herniation of the bowel is a rare clinical entity which is often overlooked in the differential diagnosis of patients with abdominal pain who have no previous history of abdominal surgery. Several sites of bowel internal herniation have been described, amongst which internal herniation through the foramen of Winslow accounts for about 8% of cases. These patients present with nonspecific abdominal pain associated with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hence the diagnosis is often overlooked. The usual symptoms of intestinal obstruction can be delayed, which results in a delay in diagnosis and gangrene of the herniated bowel segment. Abdominal radiographs and computed tomography are helpful in the diagnosis. Open reduction is the management of choice; however, laparoscopic reduction has also been attempted, with good results.

Case presentation

We report a case of a middle-aged Sri Lankan man who presented with features of gastroesophageal reflux disease, developed features of intestinal obstruction and was found to have a gangrenous small bowel loop which had herniated through the foramen of Winslow. Following needle aspiration and reduction of the herniated small bowel loop, the gangrenous part of the small bowel was resected and an ileoileal anastomosis performed. The large foramen of Winslow was partially closed with interrupted stitches. The patient made an uneventful recovery.

Conclusion

Since delayed diagnosis of bowel obstruction is detrimental, it is of utmost importance to diagnose it early. Because internal herniation of the small bowel through the foramen of Winslow presents with nonspecific symptoms including features of gastroesophageal reflux disease, as documented in several cases worldwide and also presented by our patient, there should be a high degree of suspicion of internal herniation of the bowel causing bowel obstruction and low threshold for extensive investigation of patients presenting with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease which does not resolve with usual medication.
Personhood
Authors: Prole Dragan , Rujević Goran , Arabatzis George , Popović Una , Boutlas George , Prole Dragan , Kormas Panagiotis , Moutzouri Antonia , Smiljanić Damir , Gounaris Alkis , Kosteletos George , Rajković Marica , Ladas Ioannis
Published: January 2021

The motives for bringing about the Hellenic-Serbian Dialogue Series originate from the sentiment that mutual relations between Greeks and Sebs far surpass the cultural exchange between Greece and Serbia. Knowing that cooperation does not simply fall into one’s lap, but must be initiated by human will and energy, a group of philosophers from Athens and Novi Sad, the proverbial “Athens of Serbia,” committed themselves to improving this state of affairs, at least within the confines of their area of expertise, philosophy. It is our firm intent to carry out the promise of the title of this series in the following years. Apart from mere cooperation between our two institutions, our aim is also to facilitate an international dialogue that would involve a wide range of thinkers, regardless of their place of employment. The topic of this second volume is personhood, which was spurred on by the need to investigate the condition of humanity in the twenty-first century. With this second volume of the Hellenic-Serbian Philosophical Dialogue Series we have done our best to produce a rich, multi-faceted, broadly scoped, and inspiring book; we wish it becomes for the reader the ideal vehicle for an intellectually stimulating journey.
Use of chicken feather meal fermented with Bacillus subtilis in diets to increase the digestive enzymes activity and nutrient digestibility of silver pompano Trachinotus blochii (Lacepede, 1801)
Authors: Adelina Adelina , Feliatra Feli , Siregar Yusni Ikhwan , Putra Iskandar , Suharman Indra
Published: January 2021

Background: Feather has the potential to be used as a fish feed ingredient because it has high protein content (80-85%), and is rich in amino acids arginine, leucine, isoleucine and valine. However, the protein consists mainly of keratin, which is classified as fiber that is difficult to digest. Therefore, to improve digestibility, the keratin protein is degraded using microbial Bacillus subtilis. This study aimed to determine the digestibility of fermented feather meal (FFM) in silver pompano diets and to observe the histological structure of their intestines after digestion.

Methods: The method used was a one factor experiment with five treatments and three replications each, which were: diet without FFM (P0), diet containing 10% FFM (P1), 20% (P2), 30% (P3) and 40% (P4). The diets were given to juvenile silver pompano (with average body weight of 8.56 ± 0.18 g) and stocked with 10 fish in a 100 L capacity container. The experimental diets were given three times daily at approximately 8.00 AM, 12.00 PM and 5.00 PM to apparent satiation for 60 days.

Results: The results showed that the use of FFM increased the activity of digestive enzymes (protease and lipase), but reduced the amylase activity of silver pompano, which was significantly different between treatments (P <0.05). Meanwhile, the diet containing 20% FFM produced the highest feed and protein, which are 37.05% and 67.24%, respectively. This was significantly different from other treatments (P <0.05), and was effectively absorbed by fish intestines.

Conclusion: The addition of chicken feather meal fermented with Bacillus subtilis could increase the activity of digestive enzymes and nutrient digestibility of silver pompano.
Main Trends in Radiography
Authors: Dmitriev Andrey
Published: January 2021

The main trends in X-ray inspection in Germany are presented to readers. In particular, the selection of flat panel detectors, quality control of X-ray images, compensation of scattered radiation when imaging tomograms, the use of the DICONDE standard and digital twin technology are considered.
DÜRR NDT: a Leading German Manufacturer of Digital Radiography Equipment
Authors: Ruzek Oliver , Pöhler Uli , Bagaev Kirill
Published: January 2021

DÜRR NDT provides ultra-high resolution computed radiography (CR) scanners, flat panel detectors, innovative software solutions and X-ray film processors for mobile use plus DÜRR NDT’s unique ‘green’ X-ray chemistry.
Grinding Burns Testing — New NDT Method? Do You Need Qualified Specialists for This?
Authors: Seidel Martin W. , Zösch Antje , Härtel Konstantin , Morgenstern Gunnar
Published: January 2021

The highly loaded components used in machine building, automotive and aviation must have no thermal damage during grinding, the so-called grinding burn. In less loaded components, the grinding burn shall not exceed a certain level agreed between the manufacturer and the customer.

In industrial practice, etching, Barkhausen-Rausch methods and eddy current are used to detect burns. To reliably perform inspection according to any of the methods, it is necessary that the flaw detection experts have sufficient knowledge and skills. This is particularly relevant for the multi-stage chemical etching process.

In 2015, at the request of Turkish partners, IMQ developed the course "Inspection of grinding burns using chemical etching" in accordance with ISO 14104 and AMS 2649. Since then, more than 70 participants from several European countries have successfully completed this two-day course.

In cooperation with DGZfP Ausbildung und Training GmbH, IMQ has developed a new course for the training of flaw detectors in the burns inspection during grinding. In addition to the etching method, the course included the eddy current method and the Barkhausen method, as well as liquid penetrant testing and magnetic powder testing. The content of the course, practical exercises and elements of the final exam in theory and practice are presented.
La serie de TV ‘Medici’: Entre historia, memoria y producto comercial.
Authors: Giorgi Pamela , Zoppi Irene
Published: January 2021

The ‘Medici’ series was one of the television events of the year, created and produced by Frank Spotnitz and Nicholas Meyer and directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan. The historical drama, which aired on Netflix (2016) in the first world premiere, and which features the events of the well-known 15th-century Florentine family. The contribution aims to deepen the relationship between history, memory and the commercial product.
Ética e inteligencia artificial. Una discusión jurídica.
Authors: Valdivia Jiménez Ramón Darío
Published: January 2021

Humanity has gone through an evolutionary process based on the advancement of technology created by human intelligence. Currently, the concept of intelligence has detached itself from the corporality of the human being and has the intention of changing it: its models, relationships and convictions. This paper claims the dependence, even symbolic, of that IA to the social archetypes of our weltanchauung. From this point of view, technological advance will generate human development, but they do not yet reach the possibility of substantially changing human being. One of the most important referees that will moderate the constant dialogue between human “physical and artificial intelligence” is Law, which will have the mission of reconciling the relationship between being and what should be. In this relation, I propose three images that serve as a guide for this discussion: the cloud, the wall, and the plague.
Análisis crítico de los NeuroDerechos Humanos al libre albedrío y al acceso equitativo a tecnologías de mejora.
Authors:   ,, Borbón Rodríguez Diego Alejandro , Borbón Rodríguez Luisa Fernanda , Laverde Pinzón Jeniffer
Published: January 2021

Advances in neurotechnologies and artificial intelligence have led to an innovative proposal to establish ethical and legal limits to the development of technologies: Human NeuroRights. In this sense, the article addresses, first, some advances in neurotechnologies and artificial intelligence, as well as their ethical implications. Second, the state of the art on the innovative proposal of Human NeuroRights is exposed, specifically, the proposal of the NeuroRights Initiative of Columbia University. Third, the proposal for the rights of free will and equitable access to augmentation technologies is critically analyzed to conclude that, although it is necessary to propose new regulations for neurotechnologies and artificial intelligence, the debate is still very premature as if to try to incorporate a new category of human rights that may be inconvenient or unnecessary. Finally, some considerations on how to regulate new technologies are explained and the conclusions of the work are presented.
La inteligencia artificial y el cuerpo humano digital: a la búsqueda del habeas data.
Authors: Fanni Simona
Published: January 2021

The title of Günther Anders’ major work “The obsolescence of man” seems to capture the essence of the challenges that the impact of artificial intelligence on the human body poses for jurists, namely, the definition of a modern Magna Charta for the digital human body, aimed at addressing the habeas data. Privacy, informational self-determination and identity need to be properly protected in the digital era. UNESCO, the European Union and the Council of Europe are developing important responses at the moment, and they can also rely on some interesting legal tools that can be found in their respective frameworks, which can be used for dealing with the challenges under consideration. In this respect, the purpose of the present study is to analyse the current and future legal scenario under international law and European Union law, both de iure condito and de iure condendo, in search of the habeas data.
Assessing thermal tolerance of vulnerable alpine stream insects as part of a long-term monitoring project in the Teton Range, Wyoming
Authors: Tronstad Lusha M. , Giersch J. Joseph , Hotaling Scott , Finn Debra S. , Zeglin Lydia , Wilmot Oliver J. , Bixby Rebecca J. , Shah Alisha A. , Dillon Michael E.
Published: January 2021

Alpine streams are predicted to decline as air temperatures warm and their water sources dry. Stream temperatures are expected to increase as glaciers and permanent snowfields decrease in size. For aquatic insects that are cold-adapted and restricted to small, high elevation streams fed by glaciers or snowfields, warmer water temperatures could be lethal. Conversely, less water in streams may increase the likelihood of insects freezing during winter months. We measured the critical thermal maximum (CTMAX) – the highest non-lethal temperature an insect can survive, and supercooling temperature – the temperature at which an insect freezes, of three alpine stoneflies, Zapada sp., Lednia tetonica and Lednia tumana, collected in Grant Teton and Glacier National Parks. CTMAX and supercooling point varied among species and with stream source (glacier-fed, snowmelt-fed and icy seep) and population (seven populations). Supercooling temperature was lowest in an alpine tarn and highest in glacier- and snowmelt-fed streams. Zapada sp. had the lowest CTMAX of the three species. Stoneflies from icy seeps had lower CTMAX than individuals from glacier- or snowmelt-fed streams. Individuals that likely experience the coldest winter temperatures had the lowest supercooling temperature. Similarly, stoneflies that experienced warmer water temperatures also had higher CTMAX values. Investigating the thermal tolerances of alpine stoneflies allows us to predict how these insects may respond to future climate change scenarios.

 

Featured photo by Nicole Y-C on Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/9XixVlnUCbk
unbekannter Besuch Joseph Haydns auf der Leipziger Thomasschule
Authors: Glöckner Andreas
Published: January 2021

Der Artikel widmet sich hauptsächlich Thomaskantor Johann Adam Hiller, über dessen Amtszeit ein längerer Nekrolog des Thomasschul-Alumnus Carl Traugott Neumann neben anderem die Besuche berühmter zeitgenössischer Musiker an der Thomasschule verzeichnet, darunter neben W. A. Mozart, Johann Gottlieb Naumann, Johann Freidrich Reichardt und Friedrich Heinrich Himmel eben Joseph Haydn. Daran knüpft der Artikel einige Informationen um die Pflege des Werks Joseph Haydns bei den Thomanern um die Wende des 18. zum 19. Jahrhundert sowie zu den Beziehungen der weiteren erwähnten Musiker nach Leipzig.

 

Erwähnte Artikel: Ulrich Leisinger: Die "Bachsche Auction" von 1789. BJ 1991, S. 97-126
Keep Garfagnina alive. An integrated study on patterns of homozygosity, genomic inbreeding, admixture and breed traceability of the Italian Garfagnina goat breed
Authors: Dadousis Christos , Cecchi Francesca , Ablondi Michela , Fabbri Maria Chiara , Stella Alessandra , Bozzi Riccardo
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of the Garfagnina (GRF) goat, a breed that currently risks extinction. For this purpose, 48 goats were genotyped with the Illumina CaprineSNP50 BeadChip and analyzed together with 214 goats belonging to 9 other Italian breeds (~25 goats/breed), whose genotypes were available from the AdaptMap project [Argentata (ARG), Bionda dell’Adamello (BIO), Ciociara Grigia (CCG), Di Teramo (DIT), Garganica (GAR), Girgentana (GGT), Orobica (ORO), Valdostana (VAL) and Valpassiria (VSS)]. Comparative analyses were conducted on i) runs of homozygosity (ROH), ii) admixture ancestries and iii) the accuracy of breed traceability via discriminant analysis on principal components (DAPC) based on cross-validation. ROH analyses was used to assess the genetic diversity of GRF, while admixture and DAPC to evaluate its relationship to the other breeds. For GRF, common ROH (more than 45% in GRF samples) was detected on CHR 12 at, roughly 50.25–50.94Mbp (ARS1 assembly), which spans theCENPJ(centromere protein) andIL17D(interleukin 17D) genes. The same area of common ROH was also present in DIT, while a broader region (~49.25–51.94Mbp) was shared among the ARG, CCG, and GGT. Admixture analysis revealed a small region of common ancestry from GRF shared by BIO, VSS, ARG and CCG breeds. The DAPC model yielded 100% assignment success for GRF. Overall, our results support the identification of GRF as a distinct native Italian goat breed. This work can contribute to planning conservation programmes to save GRF from extinction and will improve the understanding of the socio-agro-economic factors related with the farming of GRF.
Discovery of beta-lactamase CMY-10 inhibitors for combination therapy against multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Parvaiz Nousheen , Ahmad Faisal , Yu Wenbo , MacKerell Alexander D. , Azam Syed Sikander
Published: January 2021

β-lactam antibiotics are the most widely used antimicrobial agents since the discovery of benzylpenicillin in the 1920s. Unfortunately, these life-saving antibiotics are vulnerable to inactivation by continuously evolving β-lactamase enzymes that are primary resistance determinants in multi-drug resistant pathogens. The current study exploits the strategy of combination therapeutics and aims at identifying novel β-lactamase inhibitors that can inactivate the β-lactamase enzyme of the pathogen while allowing the β-lactam antibiotic to act against its penicillin-binding protein target. Inhibitor discovery applied the Site-Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation (SILCS) technology to map the functional group requirements of the β-lactamase CMY-10 and generate pharmacophore models of active site. SILCS-MC, Ligand-grid Free Energy (LGFE) analysis and Machine-learning based random-forest (RF) scoring methods were then used to screen and filter a library of 700,000 compounds. From the computational screens 74 compounds were subjected to experimental validation in which β-lactamase activity assay, in vitro susceptibility testing, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis were conducted to explore their antibacterial potential. Eleven compounds were identified as enhancers while 7 compounds were recognized as inhibitors of CMY-10. Of these, compound 11 showed promising activity in β-lactamase activity assay, in vitro susceptibility testing against ATCC strains (E.coli,E.cloacae,E.agglomerans,E.alvei) and MDR clinical isolates (E.cloacae,E.alveiandE.agglomerans), with synergistic assay indicating its potential as a β-lactam enhancer and β-lactamase inhibitor. Structural similarity search against the active compound 11 yielded 28 more compounds. The majority of these compounds also exhibited β-lactamase inhibition potential and antibacterial activity. The non-β-lactam-based β-lactamase inhibitors identified in the current study have the potential to be used in combination therapy with lactam-based antibiotics against MDR clinical isolates that have been found resistant against last-line antibiotics.
Incidence, risk factors and impact of seasonal influenza in pregnancy: A national cohort study
Authors: Vousden Nicola , Bunch Kathryn , Knight Marian ,   the UKOSS Influenza Co-Investigators Group
Published: January 2021

Background

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to severe infection from influenza resulting in poor neonatal outcomes. The majority of evidence relates to pandemic 2009 A/H1N1 influenza. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women hospitalised with seasonal influenza.

Methods

This national, prospective, observational cohort study used the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) to identify all pregnant women admitted to hospital between 01/11/2016 and 31/10/2018 with laboratory confirmed influenza at any gestation and up to two days after giving birth. These were compared to women admitted to give birth that did not have influenza. Baseline characteristics, immunization status, maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared.

Results

There were 405 women admitted to hospital with laboratory confirmed influenza in pregnancy: 2.7 per 10,000 maternities. Compared to 694 comparison women, women with influenza were less likely to be professionally employed (aOR 0.59, 95%CI 0.39–0.89) or immunised in the relevant season (aOR 0·59, 0·39–0·89) and more likely to have asthma (aOR 2.42, 1.30–4.49) or have had a previous pregnancy complication (aOR 2·47, 1·33–4·61). They were more likely to be admitted to intensive care (aOR 21.3, 2.78–163.1) and to have a cesarean birth (aOR 1·42, 1·02–1.98). Their babies were more likely to be admitted to neonatal intensive care (aOR 1.86, 1·01–3·42).

Conclusions

Immunization reduces the risk of hospitalisation with influenza in pregnancy which is associated with increased risk of morbidity for both the mother and baby. There is a continued need to increase awareness of safety and effectiveness of immunization in pregnancy and provision within antenatal care settings, especially for high-risk groups.
Functional screening of a Caatinga goat (Capra hircus) rumen metagenomic library reveals a novel GH3 β-xylosidase
Authors: Souto Betulia de Morais , de Araújo Ana Carolina Bitencourt , Hamann Pedro Ricardo Vieira , Bastos Andrêssa de Rezende , Cunha Isabel de Souza , Peixoto Julianna , Kruger Ricardo Henrique , Noronha Eliane Ferreira , Quirino Betania Ferraz
Published: January 2021

Functional screening of metagenomic libraries is an effective approach for identification of novel enzymes. A Caatinga biome goat rumen metagenomic library was screened using esculin as a substrate, and a gene from an unknown bacterium encoding a novel GH3 enzyme, BGL11, was identified. None of the BGL11 closely related genes have been previously characterized. Recombinant BGL11 was obtained and kinetically characterized. Substrate specificity of the purified protein was assessed using seven synthetic aryl substrates. Activity towards nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG), 4-nitrophenyl-β-D-xylopyranoside (pNPX) and 4-nitrophenyl-β-D-cellobioside (pNPC) suggested that BGL11 is a multifunctional enzyme with β-glucosidase, β-xylosidase, and cellobiohydrolase activities. However, further testing with five natural substrates revealed that, although BGL11 has multiple substrate specificity, it is most active towards xylobiose. Thus, in its native goat rumen environment, BGL11 most likely functions as an extracellular β-xylosidase acting on hemicellulose. Biochemical characterization of BGL11 showed an optimal pH of 5.6, and an optimal temperature of 50°C. Enzyme stability, an important parameter for industrial application, was also investigated. At 40°C purified BGL11 remained active for more than 15 hours without reduction in activity, and at 50°C, after 7 hours of incubation, BGL11 remained 60% active. The enzyme kinetic parameters of Km and Vmax using xylobiose were determined to be 3.88 mM and 38.53 μmol.min-1.mg-1, respectively, and the Kcat was 57.79 s-1. In contrast to BLG11, most β-xylosidases kinetically studied belong to the GH43 family and have been characterized only using synthetic substrates. In industry, β-xylosidases can be used for plant biomass deconstruction, and the released sugars can be fermented into valuable bio-products, ranging from the biofuel ethanol to the sugar substitute xylitol.
Examining the foreign policy attitudes in Moldova
Authors: Răileanu Szeles Monica
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to examine the correlates of foreign policy attitudes in Moldova by a multilevel analysis, and to also reveal some characteristics of the Moldova’s difficult geopolitical and economic context, such as the ethnical conflicts and poverty. A set of four foreign policy attitudes are explained upon individual- and regional level socio-economic and demographic correlates, of which poverty is the main focus, being represented here by several objective, subjective, uni- and multidimensional indicators. An indicator of deprivation is derived from a group of poverty indicators by the method Item Response Theory. Deprivation, subjective poverty, ethnicity and the Russian media influence are found to be associated with negative attitudes toward all foreign policies, while satisfaction with economic conditions in the country and a positive attitude toward refugees are both associated with positive attitudes toward all foreign policies.
Colonization of different biomes drove the diversification of the Neotropical Eidmanacris crickets (Insecta: Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae)
Authors: de Campos Lucas Denadai , Souza-Dias Pedro Guilherme Barrios de , Desutter-Grandcolas Laure , Shigueo Nihei Silvio
Published: January 2021

The phylogeny of the cricket genusEidmanacrisis used to analyse its historical distribution and diversification in three South American biomes: Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Chiquitano Dry Forest. A morphological phylogeny with all the 29 species ofEidmanacrisand the Geographically explicit Event Model (GEM) is used to explain their colonization and diversification through three different biomes and their ancestral habitats and distributional areas. We analysed ecologically-significant characters, such as body size and metanotal characters, to test whether if morphology, habitat, or behaviour are connected. The relations of these features with the colonisation of wetter or drier biomes based on the distributional area, phylogeny and diversity of the genus were also tested. The results show that the ancestral distribution of the genus was the Atlantic Forest, and that biome occupancy, habitat, size, and mating behaviour evolved congruently through the phylogeny, drawing a coherent pattern of changes throughEidmanacrisevolution toward the colonisation of drier biomes. Our results indicate that gallery forests could play a key role in the distribution and diversification ofEidmanacrisspecies.
Effect of oral statin use on mitomycin-C augmented trabeculectomy outcomes
Authors: Inobhas Abhibol , Chansangpetch Sunee , Manassakorn Anita , Tantisevi Visanee , Rojanapongpun Prin
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The effect of statins on wound healing is controversial, and their effect on trabeculectomy outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between oral statin use and trabeculectomy outcomes.

Methods

Medical records of patients who underwent primary mitomycin-C augmented trabeculectomy with 2 years of follow-up were reviewed. Pre- and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOP) and numbers of medications, subconjunctival 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injections, and bleb-needling procedures were compared between statin users and nonusers. Failure was defined as an eye that failed to achieve a 20% lowering of IOP from baseline or had an IOP > 21 mm Hg, as well as an eye that required further surgical intervention, developed hypotony, or had no light perception visual acuity.

Results

In total, 158 subjects were enrolled, with 47 eyes from statin users and 111 eyes from statin nonusers. The 24-month cumulative probability of failure was 78.7% for statin users and 60.4% for nonusers (P = .013). Cox proportional-hazards modeling showed a significantly higher hazard risk in statin users (adjusted hazard ratio 1.61, P = .026). There were no significant between-group differences in mean IOPs or number of medications (both P > .05) at 24 months. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis that statin use was associated with increased numbers of 5-FU injections (P = .014) and bleb-needling procedures (P = .031).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that oral statin use was associated with higher rates of trabeculectomy failure and increased numbers of 5-FU injections and bleb-needling procedures.