bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-pressure multipass Raman spectrometer
Authors: Tuesta Alfredo D. , Fisher Brian T. , Skiba Aaron W. , Williams Logan T. , Osborn Michael F.
Published: December 2020

Nonintrusive, quantitative measurements of thermodynamic properties of
flows associated with propulsion systems are pivotal to advance their
design and optimization. Laser-based diagnostics are ideal to provide
quantitative results without influencing the flow; however, the
environments in which such flows exist are often not conducive for
such techniques. Namely, they often lack the optical accessibility
required to facilitate the delivery of incident laser radiation and
the subsequent collection of induced signals. A particularly
challenging, yet crucial, task is to measure thermodynamic properties
of plumes issuing from thrusters operating within a vacuum chamber.
Large chambers used to simulate the vacuum of space generally lack
optical ports that can facilitate complex laser-based measurements.
Additionally, the near-vacuum environments within such chambers
coupled with the ability of thrusters to efficiently expand the gas
flowing through their nozzles lead to plumes with prohibitively low
number densities (pressures below 1 Torr). Thus, there is a need to
develop a diagnostic system that can offer high throughput without the
use of free-space optical ports. Moreover, facilities where propulsion
systems are tested typically lack vibrationally isolated space for
diagnostic equipment and accurate climate control. As a result, such a
high-throughput system must also be compact, versatile, and robust. To
this end, the present work describes a fiber-coupled, multipass cell,
spontaneous Raman scattering spectroscopy system. This system is
intended to provide accurate temperature measurements within
low-pressure environments via

H

2

rotational Raman thermometry.
Proof-of-principle measurements are successfully performed at
pressures as low as 67 Pa (500 mTorr). Techniques to maintain the
signal-to-noise ratio at lower pressures, and the trade-offs
associated with them, are discussed and evaluated. Finally, the
ability of this system to facilitate additional quantitative
measurements is also discussed.
The role of gene dosage in budding yeast centrosome scaling and spontaneous diploidization
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Xiong Zhiyong , Miller Danny E. , Yu Zulin , McCroskey Scott , Bradford William D. , Cavanaugh Ann M. , Jaspersen Sue L.
Published: December 2020

Ploidy is the number of whole sets of chromosomes in a species. Ploidy is typically a stable cellular feature that is critical for survival. Polyploidization is a route recognized to increase gene dosage, improve fitness under stressful conditions and promote evolutionary diversity. However, the mechanism of regulation and maintenance of ploidy is not well characterized. Here, we examine the spontaneous diploidization associated with mutations in components of theSaccharomyces cerevisiaecentrosome, known as the spindle pole body (SPB). Although SPB mutants are associated with defects in spindle formation, we show that two copies of the mutant in a haploid yeast favors diploidization in some cases, leading us to speculate that the increased gene dosage in diploids ‘rescues’ SPB duplication defects, allowing cells to successfully propagate with a stable diploid karyotype. This copy number-based rescue is linked to SPB scaling: certain SPB subcomplexes do not scale or only minimally scale with ploidy. We hypothesize that lesions in structures with incompatible allometries such as the centrosome may drive changes such as whole genome duplication, which have shaped the evolutionary landscape of many eukaryotes.
Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites infecting dogs in southern Louisiana sheds light on parasite transmission cycles and serological diagnostic performance
Authors: Dumonteil Eric , Elmayan Ardem , Majeau Alicia , Tu Weihong , Duhon Brandy , Marx Preston , Wolfson Wendy , Balsamo Garry , Herrera Claudia
Published: December 2020

Background

Chagas disease is a neglected zoonosis of growing concern in the southern US, caused by the parasiteTrypanosoma cruzi. We genotyped parasites in a large cohort of PCR positive dogs to shed light on parasite transmission cycles and assess potential relationships between parasite diversity and serological test performance.

Methodology/principal findings

We used a metabarcoding approach based on deep sequencing ofT.cruzimini-exon marker to assess parasite diversity. Phylogenetic analysis of 178 sequences from 40 dogs confirmed the presence ofT.cruzidiscrete typing unit (DTU) TcI and TcIV, as well as TcII, TcV and TcVI for the first time in US dogs. Infections with multiple DTUs occurred in 38% of the dogs. These data indicate a greater genetic diversity ofT.cruzithan previously detected in the US. Comparison ofT.cruzisequence diversity indicated that highly similarT.cruzistrains from these DTUs circulate in hosts and vectors in Louisiana, indicating that they are involved in a sharedT.cruziparasite transmission cycle. However, TcIV and TcV were sampled more frequently in vectors, while TcII and TcVI were sampled more frequently in dogs.

Conclusions/significance

These observations point to ecological host-fitting being a dominant mechanism involved in the diversification ofT.cruzi-host associations. Dogs with negative, discordant or confirmed positiveT.cruziserology harbored TcI parasites with different mini-exon sequences, which strongly supports the hypothesis that parasite genetic diversity is a key factor affecting serological test performance. Thus, the identification of conserved parasite antigens should be a high priority for the improvement of current serological tests.
Dysregulation of hepatic microRNA expression in C57BL/6 mice affected by excretory-secretory products of Fasciola gigantica
Authors: Shi Wei , He Jun-Jun , Mei Xue-Fang , Lu Ke-Jing , Zeng Zi-Xuan , Zhang Yao-Yao , Sheng Zhao-An , Elsheikha Hany M. , Huang Wei-Yi , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: December 2020

The excretory-secretory products released by the liver fluke Fasciola gigantica (FgESPs) play important roles in regulating the host immune response during the infection. Identification of hepatic miRNAs altered by FgESPs may improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of F. gigantica infection. In this study, we investigated the alterations in the hepatic microRNAs (miRNAs) in mice treated with FgESPs using high-throughput small RNA (sRNA) sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The expression of seven miRNAs was confirmed by quantitative stem-loop reverse transcription quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). A total of 1,313 miRNAs were identified in the liver of mice, and the differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs varied across the time lapsed post exposure to FgESPs. We identified 67, 154 and 53 dysregulated miRNAs at 1, 4 and 12 weeks post-exposure, respectively. 5 miRNAs (miR-126a-3p, miR-150-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-181a-5p and miR-362-3p) were commonly dysregulated at the three time points. We also found that most of the DE miRNAs were induced by FgESPs in the mouse liver after 4 weeks of exposure. These were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, which showed that the predicted targets of the hepatic DE miRNAs of mice 4 weeks of FgESPs injection were enriched in GO terms, including cell membrane, ion binding, cellular communication, organelle and DNA damage. KEGG analysis indicated that the predicted targets of the most downregulated miRNAs were involved in 15 neural activity-related pathways, 6 digestion-related pathways, 20 immune response-related pathways and 17 cancer-related pathways. These data provide new insights into how FgESPs can dysregulate hepatic miRNAs, which play important roles in modulating several aspects of F. gigantica pathogenesis.
Can the creation of new freshwater habitat demographically offset losses of Pacific salmon from chronic anthropogenic mortality?
Authors: Gibeau Pascale , Bradford Michael J. , Palen Wendy J.
Published: December 2020

Over 1 billion USD are devoted annually to rehabilitating freshwater habitats to improve survival for the recovery of endangered salmon populations. Mitigation often requires the creation of new habitat (e.g. habitat offsetting) to compensate population losses from human activities, however offsetting schemes are rarely evaluated. Anadromous Pacific salmon are ecologically, culturally, and economically important in the US and Canada, and face numerous threats from degradation of freshwater habitats. Here we used a matrix population model of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) to determine the amount of habitat offsetting needed to compensate mortality (2–20% per year) caused by a range of development activities. We simulated chronic mortality to three different life stages (egg, parr, smolt/adult), individually and simultaneously, to mimic impacts from development, and evaluated if the number of smolts produced from constructed side-channels demographically offset losses. We show that under ideal conditions, the typical size of a constructed side-channel in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) (3405 m2) is sufficient to compensate for only relatively low levels of chronic mortality to either the parr or smolt/adult stages (2–7% per year), but populations do not recover if mortality is >10% per year. When we assumed lower productivity (e.g.; 25th percentile), we found that constructed channels would need to be 2.5–4.5 fold larger as compared to the typical size built in the PNW, respectively, to maintain population sizes. Moreover, when we imposed mortality to parr and smolt/adult stages simultaneously, we found that constructed side-channels would need to be between 1.8- and 2.3- fold larger that if the extra chronic mortality was imposed to one life stage only. We conclude that habitat offsetting has the potential to mitigate chronic mortality to early life stages, but that realistic assumptions about productivity of constructed side-channels and cumulative effects of anthropogenic disturbances on multiple life stages need to be considered.
Mutational survivorship bias: The case of PNKP
Authors: Bermúdez-Guzmán Luis , Jimenez-Huezo Gabriel , Arguedas Andrés , Leal Alejandro
Published: December 2020

The molecular function of a protein relies on its structure. Understanding how variants alter structure and function in multidomain proteins is key to elucidate the generation of a pathological phenotype. However, one may fall into the logical bias of assessing protein damage only based on the variants that are visible (survivorship bias), which can lead to partial conclusions. This is the case of PNKP, an important nuclear and mitochondrial DNA repair enzyme with both kinase and phosphatase function. Most variants in PNKP are confined to the kinase domain, leading to a pathological spectrum of three apparently distinct clinical entities. Since proteins and domains may have a different tolerability to variation, we evaluated whether variants in PNKP are under survivorship bias. Here, we provide the evidence that supports a higher tolerance in the kinase domain even when all variants reported are deleterious. Instead, the phosphatase domain is less tolerant due to its lower variant rates, a higher degree of sequence conservation, lower dN/dS ratios, and the presence of more disease-propensity hotspots. Together, our results support previous experimental evidence that demonstrated that the phosphatase domain is functionally more necessary and relevant for DNA repair, especially in the context of the development of the central nervous system. Finally, we propose the term "Wald’s domain" for future studies analyzing the possible survivorship bias in multidomain proteins.
Characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients in New York City’s public hospital system
Authors: Kalyanaraman Marcello Roopa , Dolle Johanna , Grami Sheila , Adule Richard , Li Zeyu , Tatem Kathleen , Anyaogu Chinyere , Apfelroth Stephen , Ayinla Raji , Boma Noella , Brady Terence , Cosme-Thormann Braulio F. , Costarella Roseann , Ford Kenra , Gaither Kecia , Jacobson Jessica , Kanter Marc , Kessler Stuart , Kristal Ross B. , Lieber Joseph J. , Mukherjee Vikramjit , Rizzo Vincent , Rowell Madden , Stevens David , Sydney Elana , Wallach Andrew , Chokshi Dave A. , Davis Nichola ,   New York City Health + Hospitals COVID-19 Population Health Data Team
Published: December 2020

Background

New York City (NYC) bore the greatest burden of COVID-19 in the United States early in the pandemic. In this case series, we describe characteristics and outcomes of racially and ethnically diverse patients tested for and hospitalized with COVID-19 in New York City’s public hospital system.

Methods

We reviewed the electronic health records of all patients who received a SARS-CoV-2 test between March 5 and April 9, 2020, with follow up through April 16, 2020. The primary outcomes were a positive test, hospitalization, and death. Demographics and comorbidities were also assessed.

Results

22254 patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2. 13442 (61%) were positive; among those, the median age was 52.7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 39.5–64.5), 7481 (56%) were male, 3518 (26%) were Black, and 4593 (34%) were Hispanic. Nearly half (4669, 46%) had at least one chronic disease (27% diabetes, 30% hypertension, and 21% cardiovascular disease). Of those testing positive, 6248 (46%) were hospitalized. The median age was 61.6 years (IQR 49.7–72.9); 3851 (62%) were male, 1950 (31%) were Black, and 2102 (34%) were Hispanic. More than half (3269, 53%) had at least one chronic disease (33% diabetes, 37% hypertension, 24% cardiovascular disease, 11% chronic kidney disease). 1724 (28%) hospitalized patients died. The median age was 71.0 years (IQR 60.0, 80.9); 1087 (63%) were male, 506 (29%) were Black, and 528 (31%) were Hispanic. Chronic diseases were common (35% diabetes, 37% hypertension, 28% cardiovascular disease, 15% chronic kidney disease). Male sex, older age, diabetes, cardiac history, and chronic kidney disease were significantly associated with testing positive, hospitalization, and death. Racial/ethnic disparities were observed across all outcomes.

Conclusions and relevance

This is the largest and most racially/ethnically diverse case series of patients tested and hospitalized for COVID-19 in New York City to date. Our findings highlight disparities in outcomes that can inform prevention and testing recommendations.
Allogeneic uterus transplantation in a rhesus model: A short-term graft viability study
Authors: Yu Bo , Liu Zhongyu , Zhang Chunyu , Wu Yu , Han Jinsong , Li Huajun , Xu Bing , Guo Hongyan , Zhang Kun
Published: December 2020

Objective

This study examined the feasibility and safety of allogeneic uterus transplantation (UTx) from a living donor and assessed short-term graft viability in a rhesus model. This research is an important step towards further clinical application of UTx in humans.

Materials and methods

Four female rhesus monkeys with regular menstrual cycles were used in this study, the animals were either donors or recipients depending on ABO blood type compatibility. Retrieval surgery was performed to connect the uterus and uterine arteries together with the ovarian uterine vein from the living donor, and the vagina of the recipient was excised. After the back table had been prepared, bilateral uterine arteries were anastomosed end-to-side with the iliac externa arteries, and bilateral ovarian uterine veins were anastomosed end-to-side with the iliac externa vena. The transplanted uterus was evaluated based on the conditions of arterial blood, and flow was evaluated by transabdominal ultrasonography one month post operation. The conditions of the transplanted uterus were examined by secondary laparotomy. The reproductive function of rhesus monkeys was evaluated on the basis of the menstrual cycle.

Results

All 4 rhesus monkeys received the transplantation surgery without any surgical complications. No injury occurred in the other organs, and no vascular injury was observed in the allogeneic uterus. All recipients survived after the surgery with a 100% short-term survival rate. All recipients resumed normal menstruation within two months after surgery.

Conclusions

Our short follow-up shows that allogeneic UTx surgery is a safe and feasible technology in the rhesus model. The arterial conditions and blood flow of the grafted uterus can be monitored by ultrasonography examination.
Citric acid promoted melanin synthesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells, but inhibited it in human epidermal melanocytes and HMV-II melanoma cells via the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Siqi , Sakamoto Kazuichi
Published: December 2020

Melanin, a pigment synthesized by melanocytes in the skin, resists the damage caused by ultraviolet rays to cells. Citric acid, a well-known food additive, is commonly used as an antioxidant and is an important part of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle for energy production during cellular metabolism. Here, we aimed to investigate whether the addition of excess citric acid regulates melanin synthesis, and to delineate the underlying mechanism. First, we observed that citric acid exerts opposite redox effects on mouse and human cells. Interestingly, treatment with excess citric acid increased the melanin content in mouse cells but decreased it in human cells. Furthermore, the expression of factors important for melanin synthesis, such as microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), was also regulated by citric acid treatment—it was promoted in mouse cells and suppressed in human cells. Citric acid also impacted the upstream regulators of MITF, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and β-catenin. Second, we determined the importance of GSK3β in the citric acid-mediated regulation of melanin synthesis, using a GSK3β inhibitor (BIO). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that citric acid regulates melanin synthesis via the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway, and that equal amounts of exogenous citric acid exert opposing effects on mouse and human cells.
Accelerated whole-body protein catabolism in subjects with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and albuminuria
Authors: Zanetti Michela , Barazzoni Rocco , Kiwanuka Edward , Vettore Monica , Vedovato Monica , Tessari Paolo
Published: December 2020

Background

Albuminuria develops in ~40% of subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), and is often associated with malnutrition, severe comorbidities and decreased life expectancy. The association between albuminuria and altered whole body protein turnover in T2DM is currently unknown.

Objective

To assess whole body protein degradation and synthesis in type 2 diabetes with and without albuminuria.

Methods

Fourteen T2DM male subjects, with either increased [AER+] or normal [AER-] urinary albumin excretion rate, and eleven age-matched male healthy controls, were infused with phenylalanine [Phe] and tyrosine [Tyr] tracers. Post-absorptive rates of appearance (Ra) of Phe (= protein degradation) and Tyr, Phe hydroxylation to Tyr (Hy) (catabolic pathway), and Phe disposal to protein synthesis [PS], were determined.

Results

Phe and Tyr Ra were not different among the groups. However, in T2DM [AER+], the fraction of Phe disposal to hydroxylation was ~50% and ~25% greater than that of both controls and T2DM [AER-] (p<0.006 and p = 0.17, respectively). Conversely, as compared to controls, the fractional Phe disposal to PS was ~10% lower in T2DM [AER+] (p<0.006), and not different from that in T2DM [AER-]. As a consequence, in T2DM [AER+], the ratio between the fractional Phe disposal to hydroxylation and that to PS was ~70% greater (p = 0.005) than that in healthy controls, whereas in the T2DM [AER-] this ratio was ~30% greater than in controls (p = 0.19).

Conclusions

On the basis of the kinetics of the essential amino acid phenylalanine, T2DM subjects with increased AER exhibit a catabolic pattern of whole body protein turnover.
“So sometimes, it looks like it’s a neglected ward”: Health worker perspectives on implementing kangaroo mother care in southern Malawi
Authors: Kinshella Mai-Lei Woo , Salimu Sangwani , Chiwaya Brandina , Chikoti Felix , Chirambo Lusungu , Mwaungulu Ephrida , Banda Mwai , Newberry Laura , Njirammadzi Jenala , Hiwa Tamanda , Vidler Marianne , Molyneux Elizabeth M. , Dube Queen , Mfutso-Bengo Joseph , Goldfarb David M. , Kawaza Kondwani , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) involves continuous skin-to-skin contact of baby on mother’s chest to provide warmth, frequent breastfeeding, recognizing danger signs of illness, and early discharge. Though KMC is safe, effective and recommended by the World Health Organization, implementation remains limited in practice. The objective of this study is to understand barriers and facilitators to KMC practice at tertiary and secondary health facilities in southern Malawi from the perspective of health workers.

Methods

This study is part of the “Integrating a neonatal healthcare package for Malawi” project in the Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa initiative. In-depth interviews were conducted between May-Aug 2019 with a purposively drawn sample of service providers and supervisors working in newborn health at a large tertiary hospital and three district-level hospitals in southern Malawi. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach using NVivo 12 software (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia).

Findings

A total of 27 nurses, clinical officers, paediatricians and district health management officials were interviewed. Staff attitudes, inadequate resources and reliance on families emerged as key themes. Health workers from Malawi described KMC practice positively as a low-cost, low-technology solution appropriate for resource-constrained health settings. However, staff perceptions that KMC babies were clinically stable was associated with lower prioritization in care and poor monitoring practices. Neglect of the KMC ward by medical staff, inadequate staffing and reliance on caregivers for supplies were associated with women self-discharging early.

Conclusion

Though routine uptake of KMC was policy for stable low birthweight and preterm infants in the four hospitals, there were gaps in monitoring and maintenance of practice. While conceptualized as a low-cost intervention, sustainable implementation requires investments in technologies, staffing and hospital provisioning of basic supplies such as food, bedding, and KMC wraps. Strengthening hospital capacities to support KMC is needed as part of a continuum of care for premature infants.
Artificial intelligence prediction of the effect of rehabilitation in whiplash associated disorder
Authors: Fidalgo-Herrera Alberto Javier , Martínez-Beltrán María Jesús , de la Torre-Montero Julio Cesar , Moreno-Ruiz José Andrés , Barton Gabor
Published: December 2020

The active cervical range of motion (aROM) is assessed by clinicians to inform their decision-making. Even with the ability of neck motion to discriminate injured from non-injured subjects, the mechanisms to explain recovery or persistence of WAD remain unclear. There are few studies of ROM examinations with precision tools using kinematics as predictive factors of recovery rate. The present paper will evaluate the performance of an artificial neural network (ANN) using kinematic variables to predict the overall change of aROM after a period of rehabilitation in WAD patients. To achieve this goal the neck kinematics of a cohort of 1082 WAD patients (55.1% females), with mean age 37.68 (SD 12.88) years old, from across Spain were used. Prediction variables were the kinematics recorded by the EBI® 5 in routine biomechanical assessments of these patients. These include normalized ROM, speed to peak and ROM coefficient of variation. The improvement of aROM was represented by the Neck Functional Holistic Analysis Score (NFHAS). A supervised multi-layer feed-forward ANN was created to predict the change in NFHAS. The selected architecture of the ANN showed a mean squared error of 308.07–272.75 confidence interval for a 95% in the Monte Carlo cross validation. The performance of the ANN was tested with a subsample of patients not used in the training. This comparison resulted in a medium correlation with R = 0.5. The trained neural network to predict the expected difference in NFHAS between baseline and follow up showed modest results. While the overall performance is moderately correlated, the error of this prediction is still too large to use the method in clinical practice. The addition of other clinically relevant factors could further improve prediction performance.
Characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in raw beef from informal and commercial abattoirs
Authors: Nehoya Kaarina N. , Hamatui Ndinomholo , Shilangale Renatus P. , Onywera Harris , Kennedy Jeya , Mwapagha Lamech M.
Published: December 2020

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli are foodborne pathogens that are mostly associated with beef products and have been implicated in human illness. E.coli-associated illness range from asymptomatic conditions of mild diarrhoea to haemorrhagic colitis which can progress into life threatening haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Beef from cattle are regarded as the main reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) pathogen. The aim of this study was to assess the level and sources of contamination of raw beef with STEC, and determine the incidences of STEC strains in raw beef from informal and commercial abattoirs in Windhoek, Namibia. A total of 204 raw beef samples, 37 equipment and 29 hand swabs were collected and tested for STEC. The meat samples were first enriched with pre-warmed buffered peptone water, cultured on Tryptone Bile X-Glucuronide and CHROMagar STEC, and then sub-cultured on nutrient agar. The presence of E.coli in the samples was confirmed by using VITEK 2 E.coli identification cards and PCR. The overall prevalence of STEC in the meat samples from both the abattoirs was 41.66% raw beef samples; 5.40% equipment swabs; and none of the hand swabs was STEC positive. From the STEC positive meat samples 29.41% contained one of the major STEC strains. Moreover, 52% of the 25 samples that contained the major STECs were characterised by eae and stx1, 8% characterised by eae and stx2 while 40% were characterised by eae, stx1 and stx2 virulence genes. This study has revealed the necessity for proper training on meat safety (for meat handlers) as well as the development, implementation and maintenance of effective sanitary dressing procedures at abattoirs to eliminate beef contamination by STECs thereby ensuring the production of wholesome meat, and to prevent the occurrences of STEC infections.
Network preservation reveals shared and unique biological processes associated with chronic alcohol abuse in NAc and PFC
Authors: Vornholt Eric , Drake John , Mamdani Mohammed , McMichael Gowon , Taylor Zachary N. , Bacanu Silviu-Alin , Miles Michael F. , Vladimirov Vladimir I.
Published: December 2020

Chronic alcohol abuse has been linked to the disruption of executive function and allostatic conditioning of reward response dysregulation in the mesocorticolimbic pathway (MCL). Here, we analyzed genome-wide mRNA and miRNA expression from matched cases with alcohol dependence (AD) and controls (n = 35) via gene network analysis to identify unique and shared biological processes dysregulated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). We further investigated potential mRNA/miRNA interactions at the network and individual gene expression levels to identify the neurobiological mechanisms underlying AD in the brain. By using genotyped and imputed SNP data, we identified expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) uncovering potential genetic regulatory elements for gene networks associated with AD. At a Bonferroni corrected p≤0.05, we identified significant mRNA (NAc = 6; PFC = 3) and miRNA (NAc = 3; PFC = 2) AD modules. The gene-set enrichment analyses revealed modules preserved between PFC and NAc to be enriched for immune response processes, whereas genes involved in cellular morphogenesis/localization and cilia-based cell projection were enriched in NAc modules only. At a Bonferroni corrected p≤0.05, we identified significant mRNA/miRNA network module correlations (NAc = 6; PFC = 4), which at an individual transcript level implicated miR-449a/b as potential regulators for cellular morphogenesis/localization in NAc. Finally, we identified eQTLs (NAc: mRNA = 37, miRNA = 9; PFC: mRNA = 17, miRNA = 16) which potentially mediate alcohol’s effect in a brain region-specific manner. Our study highlights the neurotoxic effects of chronic alcohol abuse as well as brain region specific molecular changes that may impact the development of alcohol addiction.
Prevalence and risk factors of disability and anxiety in a retrospective cohort of 432 survivors of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (Covid-19) from China
Authors: Zhu Siyi , Gao Qiang , Yang Lin , Yang Yonghong , Xia Wenguang , Cai Xiguo , Hui Yanping , Zhu Di , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Guiqing , Wu Shuang , Wang Yiliang , Zhou Zhiqiang , Liu Hongfei , Zhang Changjie , Zhang Bo , Yang Jianrong , Feng Mei , Ni Zhong , Chen Baoyu , Du Chunping , He Hongchen , Qu Yun , Wei Quan , He Chengqi , Reinhardt Jan D.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of disability and anxiety in Covid-19 survivors at discharge from hospital and analyze relative risk by exposures.

Design

Multi-center retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Twenty-eight hospitals located in eight provinces of China.

Methods

A total of 432 survivors with laboratory-confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection participated in this study. At discharge, we assessed instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) with Lawton’s IADL scale, dependence in activities of daily living (ADL) with the Barthel Index, and anxiety with Zung’s self-reported anxiety scale. Exposures included comorbidity, smoking, setting (Hubei vs. others), disease severity, symptoms, and length of hospital stay. Other risk factors considered were age, gender, and ethnicity (Han vs. Tibetan).

Results

Prevalence of at least one IADL problem was 36.81% (95% CI: 32.39–41.46). ADL dependence was present in 16.44% (95% CI: 13.23–20.23) and 28.70% (95% CI: 24.63–33.15) were screened positive for clinical anxiety. Adjusted risk ratio (RR) of IADL limitations (RR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.80–3.40), ADL dependence (RR 2.07, 95% CI 1.15–3.76), and probable clinical anxiety (RR 2.53, 95% CI 1.69–3.79) were consistently elevated in survivors with severe Covid-19. Age was an additional independent risk factor for IADL limitations and ADL dependence; and setting (Hubei) for IADL limitations and anxiety. Tibetan ethnicity was a protective factor for anxiety but a risk factor for IADL limitations.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of Covid-19 survivors had disability and anxiety at discharge from hospital. Health systems need to be prepared for an additional burden resulting from rehabilitation needs of Covid-19 survivors.
Finding food in a novel environment: The diet of a reintroduced endangered meso-predator to mainland Australia, with notes on foraging behaviour
Authors: Robinson Natasha M. , Blanchard Wade , MacGregor Christopher , Brewster Rob , Dexter Nick , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: December 2020

Translocated captive-bred predators are less skilled at hunting than wild-born predators and more prone to starvation post-release. Foraging in an unfamiliar environment presents many further risks to translocated animals. Knowledge of the diet and foraging behaviour of translocated animals is therefore an important consideration of reintroductions. We investigated the diet of the endangered meso-predator, the eastern quollDasyurus viverrinus. We also opportunistically observed foraging behaviour, enabling us to examine risks associated with foraging. Sixty captive-bred eastern quolls were reintroduced to an unfenced reserve on mainland Australia (where introduced predators are managed) over a two year period (2018, 2019). Quolls were supplementary fed macropod meat but were also able to forage freely. Dietary analysis of scats (n = 56) revealed that quolls ate macropods, small mammals, birds, invertebrates, fish, reptiles and frogs, with some between-year differences in the frequency of different diet categories. We also observed quolls hunting live prey. Quolls utilised supplementary feeding stations, indicating that this may be an important strategy during the establishment phase. Our study demonstrated that, in a novel environment, captive-bred quolls were able to locate food and hunt live prey. However, foraging was not without risks; with the ingestion of toxic substances and foraging in dangerous environments found to be potentially harmful. Knowledge of the diet of reintroduced fauna in natural landscapes is important for understanding foraging behaviour and evaluating habitat suitability for future translocations and management.
Impact of variability in estimated glomerular filtration rate on major clinical outcomes: A nationwide population-based study
Authors: Lee Soojin , Park Sehoon , Kim Yaerim , Lee Yeonhee , Kang Min Woo , Cho Semin , Kim Yong Chul , Han Seung Seok , Lee Hajeong , Lee Jung Pyo , Joo Kwon Wook , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su , Han Kyungdo , Kim Dong Ki
Published: December 2020

Background

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), commonly estimated using the serum creatinine value, often fluctuates throughout the serial measurement. The clinical significance of GFR variation among the general population with normal renal function has not yet been demonstrated. Thus, we explored the impact of GFR variability on adverse clinical outcomes.

Methods

A nationwide retrospective cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance System database was performed. National health screening examinees who underwent creatinine measurement ≥3 times between 2012 and 2016 were considered. Those with eGFR under 60 mL/min/m2were excluded. The fluctuation of eGFR was represented with variability independent of the mean (VIM) index; which was calculated by the standard deviation divided by the exponent of the regression coefficient of the mean. Then, the risks of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and death were assessed according to the quartiles of the VIM

Results

Of total 3,538,500 participants, 0.29% of myocardial infarction (MI), 0.14% of stroke, 0.36% of deaths were observed during the median follow up of 3.27 years. Participants with the highest VIM index, which represents the highest eGFR variability, were significantly associated with an increased risk of MI (hazard ratio [HR]; 1.10, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]; 1.04–1.16), stroke (HR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.09–1.23), and death (HR: 1.18; 95% CI 1.12–1.24). The elevated risk of adverse events was consistent after the multivariate adjustment with potential confounding factors, except the risk of MI (HR 1.06; 95% 1.00–1.06).

Conclusions

Increased eGFR variability exhibited an association with major clinical outcomes, indicating that monitoring eGFR variability might be a useful parameter for predicting the adverse outcomes.
Naturalización de un paisaje cultural pirenaico: los bancales de Bestué (Huesca)
Authors: Lasanta Teodoro , Rubio-Balducci Pablo , Nadal-Romero Estela , Errea M. Paz , Cammeraat Erik
Published: December 2020

Las terrazas agrícolas o bancales constituyen un elemento esencial de la montaña mediterránea europea. Su construcción y mantenimiento exige mucha energía, dando lugar a culturas basadas en el aprovechamiento cuidadoso y complejo de las laderas. Hoy laderas enteras de bancales se han abandonado y sufren procesos muy intensos de erosión y revegetación, amenazando con arruinar paisajes culturales de gran valor.En el Valle de Bestué (Pirineo central aragonés) se configuró uno de los mejores paisajes de bancales del Pirineo central. Los bancales alcanzaron el 13,1% de la superficie del valle. Se construyeron para el cultivo de cereales y, con ello, poder alimentar a la población local. Se cultivaron hasta los años cincuenta-setenta del pasado siglo y después se aprovecharon como prados de siega. Desde la última década del siglo XX se abandonaron. El cese del cultivo y la ausencia de pastoreo han cubierto de bosques los bancales en muy pocas décadas; el bosque ocupaba el 13,7% del territorio en 1956 y el 48,7% en 2015. Entre las mismas fechas el paisaje ha perdido heterogeneidad y valor cultural. No obstante, aún se mantienen algunos retazos del paisaje de bancales que deberían conservarse, ya que constituyen un compendio del aprovechamiento agrícola de la pendiente y de conservación del suelo.
The use of historical call data records as evidence in the criminal justice system – lessons learned from the Danish telecom scandal
Authors: Lentz Lene Wacher , Sunde Nina
Published: December 2020

Historical call data records (HCDR) are frequently used as evidence in criminal trials. However, several inherent uncertainties are associated with HCDR data, and, additionally, errors may occur when law enforcement processes the data. In Denmark, processing errors were introduced into HCDR from 2010 until 2019. The Danish authorities are currently reviewing more than 10,000 criminal cases in order to secure a fair trial. This article conducts a socio-technical analysis of the Danish telecom scandal, which shows that, in addition to the processing errors highlighted, sources of error are related to competence, cognitive factors and inadequate quality management.

Index words: Denmark; criminal law; call data records; uncertainties; prosecution processing errors
Welcome to the IALS Student Law Review
Authors: Yalcin Tugce
Published: December 2020

In this Editorial, Tugçe Yalçin (Editor-in-Chief of ISLRev, Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London) welcomes you to the Autumn 2020 issue of the IALS Student Law Review (ISLRev) and introduces the articles featured in this issue of the journal.
The Questioned Legality of Foreign Military Intervention in Members’ state in the Economic Community of West African States!
Authors: Abdulai Emmanuel Saffa
Published: December 2020

A military coup in the Republic of Mali, a West African nation, leading to the resignation, arrest and detention of the democratically elected sitting president in August, 2020. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sent an envoy demanding for restoration of constitutionally order and democracy. It was in the same direction that, on the 19th January 2017, ECOWAS, launched operation ‘Restore Democracy in Gambia’ and mobilized a standby force - from six nations - to militarily intervene in a member state, if diplomacy failed to persuade former President Yayah Jammeh to step down and accept presidential elections result. This is not the first time that ECOWAS has intervened in a member country to restore democracy and provide humanitarian protection for civilians. In 1999, led by Nigeria, ECOWAS restored the democratically elected government of ex-President Tejan Kabbah of Sierra Leone, who had been illegally toppled by his military. This article looks at whether there is any legal basis in international law for such military intervention. Is ECOWAS acting in accordance with the African Union (AU) Treaty and its Peace and Security Protocol to restore peace and avoid grave consequences? If not, is then ECOWAS undertaking pre-emptive self-defense to avoid a spill of conflict in the region? Or yet, is ECOWAS tired of waiting for the United Nations’ (UN) permission and intervention, taking its own business seriously by enforcing democratic change of government? This article points out the very convoluted maize of international law on military intervention, rights to self-defense, humanitarian interventions and the principles of sovereignty in the wake of enforcement of the rules of jus cogens.
Digital Service Tax
Authors: Katterbauer Klemens
Published: December 2020

Digital services have significantly transformed the world economy and significantly challenged existing taxation regulations worldwide. The intangible nature of digital services challenges the taxation of conventional services that have a physical location of where the services is performed and where the right of taxation derives from. Therefore, the need for adequate regulations related to the taxation of digital services has become ever more prominent with various proposals and implementations. The article provides a case content – inferential statistics research on determining whether a digital service tax or the nexus of a significant digital presence may be more applicable for overcoming the challenges posed by the digital services. Additionally, the benefits of artificial intelligence methods in assisting in the taxation of digital services are outlined. The results outline strong preference for the digital service tax as a means to overcome the discrepancy between income related taxation frameworks in various jurisdictions and outlines the strong benefits artificial intelligence methods may have in supporting taxation.
The Concept of International Law in an Era of Populism
Authors: Schneider Lea Ina
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, the world is experiencing a populist trend that is enhancing a nationalist viewpoint, which has contributed to the perception that international law is currently in a state of crisis. Populists attack international law calling it a device used by global elites to dominate policymaking and designed benefit themselves at the expense of the common people. This essay must be understood against this current trend and will explore how state behaviour that originates from a populist attitude affects international law. It attempts to answer the following questions: Why and how does populism challenge the very idea of international law? What are the effects of populist governments on international law? And what role would international law play in a populist era? This essay concludes that populists attack international law because the international legal system, as it developed after the 1990s, is based on values and concepts such as international solidarity which go against the identity and nationalistic politics of populists. Populist governments’ attitude towards international law ranges between an instrumental approach and a rhetoric-based principled opposition that if enacted in practice, would significantly change international law’s nature as it has developed after 1990. In general, populists promote a concept of international law as a law of coordination and aim to reduce it to an instrument for furthering national interests.
Administration of Criminal Justice Act of Nigeria 2015
Authors: Udombana Ngozi J.
Published: December 2020

The quality of any legislation is determined chiefly by its ability to accurately communicate its intention as well as its capacity to meet the society’s expectations and needs at every point in time. Language is the tool of communication. Legislative competence requires a good mastery of the use of written language and the relevant techniques for translating legislative intent into properly structured sentences that serve the goal of the legislation. Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 was long overdue and well received. It aimed at tackling the multi dimensioned problems that plagued the criminal justice system for decades. Through a desk review, this article examines certain legislative expressions in the Act. It finds that the Act is plagued by a significant measure of substantive and legislative expression gaps, which diminish its quality and negatively impact its implementation. The article proffers relevant alternative redrafts and suggestions. Its position is that if these gaps are not timely addressed, they may further affect the effective implementation of the Act. It, therefore, recommends the amendment of the Act along the line of the issues identified in the article, in addition to all other related issues in the Act.
Editorial Board and Associate Editors
Authors: Harave Narayana
Published: December 2020

Editorial Board and Associate Editors
POLÍTICAS DE TRANSPORTE MOTORIZADO NO BRASIL E SEUS REFLEXOS SOBRE A AMAZÔNIA LEGAL
Authors: Colares Isabela Soares , De Souza Geraldo Alves
Published: December 2020

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar os reflexos das políticas de transporte adotadas no Brasil sobre a motorização e os registros de óbitos por Acidentes de Transporte Terrestre (ATT) na Amazônia Legal. Para isso utilizou-se os registros de óbitos do Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade (SIM), disponibilizados por meio do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS) e de frota de veículos do Registro Nacional de Veículos Automotores (RENAVAM). Constatou-se que as motocicletas participam com aproximadamente 48% na composição da frota de veículos da Amazônia Legal e são responsáveis mais de 43% dos óbitos por ATT da região. Verificou-se também que estes números não param de crescer desde que políticas de incentivos à aquisição destes veículos passaram a ser adotadas e o transporte de passageiros por mototáxi foi admitido nas cidades da região.
DESIGUALDADES SOCIOESPACIAIS NA PEQUENA CIDADE: ANÁLISE DE INDICADORES DE INCLUSÃO/EXCLUSÃO SOCIAL EM PARAÍSO DO TOCANTINS-TO
Authors: Reis Renato Silva , Chaveiro Eguimar Felício , Oliveira Adão Francisco de
Published: December 2020

Ainda que corrobore com a caracterização e reconhecimento das fragilidades dos municípios para a alocação de recursos e políticas públicas, grande parte dos indicadores sociais não possibilitam compreender como as desigualdades sociais se cristalizam no espaço intra-urbano, este marcado por contradições e heterotopias. Deste modo, de forma analítica e abstrata, este artigo tem como objetivo estabelecer análise especializada nas ocupações urbanas em Paraíso do Tocantins - pequena cidade localizada a 63 km da capital do estado, Palmas, que, na última década, demonstra intensa produção de loteamentos urbanos e complexificação das dinâmicas ocupacionais - através dos indicadores de distribuição da renda do último censo do IBGE (2010), distribuídos pelos setores censitários da cidade; do preço da terra; e da qualidade das edificações, estes possibilitados pelo Cadastro Territorial e Atualização da Planta Genérica de Valores (PGV) da cidade em 2018, que identificou, além do preço dos terrenos urbanos na cidade, as características qualitativas das ocupações, possibilitando condições imprescindíveis e singulares no desvendamento das desigualdades urbanas da cidade. Conclui-se que as menores rendas, preços da terra e piores condições de moradias estão diretamente relacionadas e que os fenômenos de especulação da terra reiteram as condições segregadoras, assim como nas médias e grandes cidades.
(Des)Protección de personas LGTBI en espacios seguros. Un análisis de las experiencias migratorias en Guatemala y México
Authors: González Hidalgo Eloísa , Lo Coco Daniela
Published: December 2020

La vulnerabilidad de las personas lesbianas, gais, transexuales, bisexuales e intersexuales (LGTBI) durante su proceso migratorio ha generado una nueva preocupación en la comunidad internacional. En las últimas décadas se ha tenido en cuenta esta diversidad para generar mecanismos de protección, uno de ellos es la Red de Espacios Seguros (RSSN) en Centroamérica y México, bajo el ACNUR. Sin embargo, el camino para disminuir el grado de vulnerabilidad es complejo.

El objetivo de este artículo es evidenciar las lagunas en la protección de las personas LGTBI en los espacios seguros en México y Guatemala. La metodología se apoya en la revisión de fuentes secundarias y en el trabajo de campo en el que se llevaron a cabo observaciones directas, grupos de discusión y entrevistas en profundidad a personas en tránsito, solicitantes de asilo y refugiadas LGTBI.