bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of nitrogen on activity of peptide hydrolases and protein content in caryopses and flag leaf of barley in ontogenesis
Authors: Gamzaeva R S
Published: December 2020

The aim of the research was to study the influence peculiarities of different levels of nitrogen nutrition on the activity of peptide hydrolases and protein content in ontogeny of barley plants.The paper discusses the content of total nitrogen, protein and the dynamics of activity of proteolytic enzymes during ontogenesis of barley plants. The activity of peptide hydrolases, the content of protein and total nitrogen were determined in four developmental phases in the flag leaf and forming caryopses of barley. The aim of the work was to determine the effect of different levels of nitrogen on the quantitative content of protein, the total amount of nitrogen, as well as on the activity of acidic and neutral peptide hydrolases. In the course of the research, the following features were revealed: 1. The content of total nitrogen and protein, as well as the activity of proteases, depended on the developmental phase and on the level of nitrogen nutrition; 2. Increasing doses of nitrogen contribute to a greater nitrogen outflow from flag leaves into the forming grain; 3. High nitrogen norms inhibit the activity of peptide hydrolases. 4. The highest rates of activity of acidic proteases were noted in the phase of full ripeness. 5. The total activity of peptide hydrolases increased in variants with a twoand three-fold nitrogen dose.
Editing of the MYB genes inBrassica napusas a method to increase anthocyanin pigmentation and stress tolerance
Authors: Mikhaylova E V , Shein M. Y. , Artyukhin A. Y. , Sukhareva A S , Panfilova M. A. , Kuluev B R
Published: December 2020

Anthocyanin hyperaccumulation is an important agricultural trait, associated with resistance to abiotic stress, pests, phytopathogenic fungi and bacterial diseases.B. napuswith increased anthocyanin pigmentation can be generated by genome editing. Many transcription factors of the MYB family are involved in stress response and anthocyanin biosynthesis. GenesAtMYB60, AtCPCandAtMYBL2are negative regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis inArabidopsis, therefore the knockout of these genes can result in increased anthocyanin pigmentation. gRNA spacers were synthesized to target the orthologs of these genes, identified inBrassica napus. Resulting genetic constructs were introduced to the plant tissues by agroinfiltration. Transient expression of gRNAs targeting DNA-binding domains of MYB transcription factors along with Cas9 nuclease successfully promoted anthocyanin hyperaccumulation. These genetic constructs can be used for genome editing and production of new colored and stress tolerant varieties of oilseed rape.
The paradigm of induced chemical mutagenesis of Allium sativum L.
Authors: Nemtinov V I , Shirokova A V , Kostanchuk Yu N , Pekhova O. A. , Timasheva L. A. , Belova I V , Danilova I L
Published: December 2020

The scheme of induced chemical mutagenesis of treatment of Allium sativum L. air bulbs of winter garlic bred by FSBSI “Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea”, grown in a breeding nursery, has been developed. Two chemical mutagens of the first group, capable of transferring alkyd compounds to other plant cells were used in the study. Different concentrations of treatments and monitoring of mutagenesis made it possible to determine the behavior of Allium sativum air bulbs in dynamics: one cloves – M0 mutants (large, medium and small fractions); bulbs – cloves (M1 mutants of the 1st generation); bulbs – cloves (M2 2nd generation mutants). The aim of this work is to assess the morphological changes of Allium sativum L., the effect of chemical mutagens, and the selection of visible mutation-altered forms with valuable economic traits for use in breeding, creating new varieties adapted in Crimea. Monitoring was carried out, the reaction of garlic treated with two chemical mutagens was assessed: DEP (diethyl phosphate) − 0.025; 0.05 and 0.1%, as well as DMS (dimethyl sulfate) 0.02; 0.04 and 0.08% solutions. For control, a sample of Allium sativum L. air bulbs soaked in water was taken. For 2017–2020, different concentrations of mutagens acted selectively on morphometric and economic characteristics, as well as the chemical composition of winter garlic.
Substantiation of the arrangement and parameters of the loosening compacting discs of tillage rollers with a bionic approach
Authors: Babitsky L F , Sobolevsky I V , Ismailov Y N
Published: December 2020

The article presents the methods and results of bionic modeling in agricultural mechanics, which made it possible to substantiate the arrangement and parameters of the working bodies of the loosening compacting discs of tillage rollers adapted to the soil environment using the regularities of the arrangement of thorns on wide rings of the tail in the biological prototype of the girdle tail (Cordylidae). Based on the principle of multi-contact action of the teeth and toothed plates of the roller discs on the soil layer, the coefficient of the arrangement of the discs on the roller is equal to 0.22 ... 0.24, as well as the number of toothed plates and teeth on the working surface of the loosening compacting disc of the roller, which is in the range of 6 ... 12, which is consistent with the arrangement of spines along the circumference of the wide rings on the tail of the girdle. The results of experimental studies, confirming the decrease in the traction resistance of the proposed working bodies of the loosening compacting discs of tillage rollers for surface tillage are presented.
Genetically modified rabbits as bio-producers and biomodels
Authors: Koloskova E M , Ezerskiy VA , Trubitsyna T P , Belova N V
Published: December 2020

Genetically modified (GM) animals are necessary to solve the global problems of humanity related to nutrition and health. Rabbits, as laboratory, domestic and farm animals, occupy a special niche in research. GM rabbits are promising as bioreactors for producing biologically active (BA) proteins with milk or blood, and are in demand in Biomedicine as biomodels of diseases. To date, many GM rabbits-biomodels, producers of recombinant proteins have been created in the world using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. All-Russian Research Institute of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Nutrition has experience in obtaining transgenic rabbitsproducers of human BA proteins with milk by microinjecting recombinant DNA into zygote pronuclei. The possibility of site-specific modification of the rabbit whey acidic protein (WAP) gene using CRISPR/Cas9 technology is discussed. A DNA matrix containing homology arms to the WAP rabbit gene and site-specific CRISPR/Cas9 components in plasmid form were obtained. Microinjections of rabbit zygotes were performed and embryo survival was evaluated in vitro. The efficiency of using the green fluorescent protein gene under the cytomegalovirus promoter in the DNA matrix as an indicator of homologically directed repair was evaluated. This work can be useful for obtaining rabbits that produce with milk BA protein instead of WAP.
Application of coniferous dendroforms for biotesting of coastal urban environments
Authors: Kosovskaya M , Lyamina N , Semenova E , Tsokalo I , Gnilomedova N , Kuzmin A
Published: December 2020

In the urban environment, the main sources of pollutants entering the atmosphere are the work of industrial enterprises and the operation of vehicles, which leads to a significant change in the composition of the air, which leads to the objective need for strict control of the state of the city’s environment and atmospheric air in particular. The ongoing state monitoring control of the atmospheric air in the urban environment is not sufficient, which leads to the need to create alternative control methods. This method is bioindication and biotesting. Applying the sensitivity of organisms, one can assess the degree of environmental pollution. Thus, the choice of certain bioindicators directly affects the quality of the data obtained, especially in the areas of coastal cities. The studies were carried out in Sevastopol during 2018-2020. The results obtained make it possible to use Pinus pallasiana Lamb. as a test object for assessing the quality of the environment. Coniferous dendroforms Picea pungens Engelm. and Thuja occidentalis L. showed results that allow their use in bioindication, in the case of using the entire possible spectrum of markers to increase the reliability of environmental quality assessment by biotesting methods. Previously, similar studies were carried out using deciduous dendroforms.
Crise COVID-19 : Évaluer à distance en contexte contraint. Rappels conceptuels et solutions alternatives
Authors: Campillo-Paquet Valerie , Demeester Anne , Laisney Patrice
Published: December 2020

Contexte et problématique : Le contexte récent de pandémie COVID a placé les formateurs et enseignants en santé face à une situation inédite, dans laquelle l’ensemble des éléments de cadrage organisationnels et pédagogiques a été bouleversé. L’impératif d’assurer la « continuité pédagogique » les a contraints à repenser dans l’urgence le dispositif d’enseignement et d’apprentissage et à mettre en place des modalités d’évaluation à distance plus ou moins satisfaisantes. Comment évaluer en contexte « dégradé » ? Objectifs : À partir du dispositif proposé aux enseignants d’une grande université française, cet article expose un panel de solutions adaptées permettant de transposer les évaluations en présence dans un format à distance, y compris dans le secteur santé. Ces propositions s’inscrivent dans la perspective d’une possible récurrence de crise sanitaire ou dans un choix délibéré de diversification de l’offre de formation, à distance ou en mode hybride.
A new conjugate gradient method based on a modified secant condition with its applications in image processing
Authors: Abdollahi Fahimeh , Fatemi Masoud
Published: December 2020

We propose an effective conjugate gradient method belonging to the class of Dai–Liao methods for solving unconstrained optimization problems. We employ a variant of the modified secant condition and introduce a new conjugate gradient parameter by solving an optimization problem. The optimization problem combines the well-known features of the linear conjugate gradient method using some penalty functions. This new parameter takes advantage of function information as well as the gradient information to provide the iterations. Our proposed method is globally convergent under mild assumptions. We examine the ability of the method for solving some real-world problems from image processing field. Numerical results show that the proposed method is efficient in the sense of the PSNR test. We also compare our proposed method with some well-known existing algorithms using a collection of CUTEr problems to show its efficiency.
The basic algorithm for the design and construction of a monocultural innovation organization
Authors: Polyakov Yuri , Savchenko Andrey , Alekseeva Natalia , Panteleeva Elena , Savelyev Mikhail
Published: December 2020

Algorithmization of management activities in the transition to the digital economy is one of the most important tasks of modern management science. Sketch design is defined by the algorithm creation tool. This algorithmization method is applied to the processes of choosing the type of a homogeneous product, its quality and other consumer properties, utility for the consumer and manufacturer. Products are classified according to their purpose and the resources for their production. The quality of the product is defined as the ratio of the actual properties of the product to the normative ones, while it is necessary to take into account the influence of manufacturing defects, which entails a transition from linear to non-linear quality functions. The cumulative assessment of the product for the consumer is determined taking into account his subjective assessment of the properties of the product, expressed in the weight of the quality of individual utilities. For a manufacturer, the aggregate assessment of product quality directly depends on the main properties of the product, taking into account its other properties, and inversely depends on the cost of purchasing it, taking into account their functional elasticity. The algorithm is recommended for use by specialists dealing with algorithmic management activities.
Corporate governance in connection with performance and digital
Authors: Dimitriev Igor , Krasilnikova Elena
Published: December 2020

The article concerned issues, related to the characteristics of Corporate governance and performance. The characteristics of Corporate governance are pervasive: ownership structure, separation from control, Board of directors, protection of rights. For Russian companies traditional organizational characteristics of life cycle stages are not decisive. Currently there is a tendency for owners to get out from management and focus on social, environmental results. The ownership of private insiders is the highest at the stage of formation, and the foreign ownership rises at the stage of growth. Based on the model was estimated significant positive impact of companies’ age on an increase in property rights, ownership and control, protecting minority investors encourages R&D. Results of estimation of 62 countries in 2020 represented significant positive relation Technology factors: adaptive attitudes, business agility, IT integration with performance and Corporate governance. An increase in digital is associated with a higher quality of Corporate governance.
Dynamics of the transition of corporate governance models of the Republic of Tatarstan from “oligarchic” to innovative ones through strategic regional management
Authors: Sayfudinova Nazilya Zarifovna , Shigapova Daniya Kalimullovna , Bolshov Aleksej Vasilevich , Barieva Aelina Askhatovna , Akhmetova Irina Anatolievna
Published: December 2020

The article examines the dynamics of the transformation of corporate governance in the Republic of Tatarstan. The author’s approach is presented, according to which the strategic regional development affects the corporate governance system of the organization. The analysis of enterprises from various industries of the Republic of Tatarstan has been carried out and the leading ones have been selected. Further, according to the indicators of these organizations, calculations were made using the Altman five-factor model for 5 years. The chosen model and time period allow to reliably trace the dynamics of the company’s economic potential and the results of its development for the reporting periods. The obtained results of the analysis and calculations showed that the corporate governance of enterprises changed the trend and began to move to an innovative type. Regional development strategies have a positive impact on corporate governance of enterprises. Moreover, an important point is that by means of regional development strategies, organizations themselves are interested in improving the corporate governance system. Thus, the impact on enterprises and their changes do not occur “top-down” (authoritarian, edifying), but “bottom-up” (the organization itself seeks to meet modern requirements in order to be economically efficient).
Assessment of the environmental aspect of corporate sustainability of companies
Authors: Blinova E.S. , Ponomarenko T.V.
Published: December 2020

Strengthening international environmental and climate policies dictates a reorientation of companies towards corporate sustainability management. The article discusses the issues of assessing the environmental performance of companies in the context of corporate sustainability. The main methods of assessing the environmental aspect of corporate sustainability have been analyzed. The classification of the main methods for assessing the corporate sustainability has been presented. The application of methods for assessing the dynamics of environmental indicators of corporate sustainability of companies, including mining companies, has been substantiated. Mining companies have been proven to cause significant damage to the surrounding ecosystems. The use of indicators of economic impact and environmental and economic assessment has been substantiated.
The role of the concept of corporate social responsibility in promoting goods and services in the economically developed countries
Authors: Andriianova Marina V. , Kruchinina Valeriia V.
Published: December 2020

As companies lost their reputation amid ethical scandals, socio- ethical marketing as well as social responsibility concept, became vital components and a fundamental difference of successful companies. This shift towards socially responsible marketing is indicative of shifting the focus from production and goods/services to the consumer and his philosophy of life, as well as to social ethics. However, with the changing environment especially in digitization encompassing all spheres of society, companies also have to improve their marketing tools including marketing communications as a key factor in the formation of the socially oriented relationships between manufacturer and consumer.
Government, business and NPOs: formation of a new model of interaction and assessment of its effectiveness
Authors: Bylinskaya Alla Aleksandrovna , Sudin Sergey Aleksandrovich
Published: December 2020

The relevance of the research topic is due to the denationalization of the social services market and, as a result, the growing importance of the third sector in their provision; the development of civil society, the construction of social problems, in the solution of which non- profit organizations play an important role. A comparative analysis of assessments of the emerging model of interaction between civil society and the state will allow us to determine its current state, show strengths and weaknesses, the most pressing problems and development trends. A large role in the study of the issues raised belongs to the study and critical understanding of the leading practices of building interaction between the state and civil society, which will not only adapt the most appropriate practices, but also avoid possible problems. The proposed research will help to establish feedback between the state, business and supported NPOs and develop recommendations for optimizing this interaction. The aim of the study is to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of the emerging model of interaction between the state and NPOs as new actors in the country’s economic and socio-cultural policy and forecast the prospects for its development. The study is based on the study of the perceptions of leaders and key actors of NPOs about the prospects for the development of their organizations in the context of the emerging model of interaction with business and the state. The authors put forward a hypothesis about the need to study the assessments of the existing model of interaction between the state and NPOs by representatives of executive authorities responsible for the implementation of relevant programs, direct managers and key actors of NPOs, as well as representatives of target groups of their activities in the regions to determine the problems and prospects of interaction between the state, business and NPOs.
Transformation of the company’s HR management systems based on digital literacy measurement
Authors: Galenko Elena , Shumakova Elena , Ovcharenko Natalia
Published: December 2020

Corporate culture in each company has its own particularities, which allows to assess the efficiency and sustainability of a given company, design its development strategy as well as the capacity to attain its strategic goals. The current study, based on the model of O’Reilly, Chatman and Caldwell, allowed to define the key problem, that is the absence of digital literacy on the part of the personnel of the studied hotel chain. The identified problem may become an impediment towards formation of the digital culture in the context of digital transformation
Activation of Mechanoreflex, but not Central Command, Delays Heart Rate Recovery after Exercise in Healthy Men
Authors: Peçanha Tiago , de Brito Leandro Campos , Fecchio Rafael Yokoyama , de Sousa Patricia Nascimento , Silva Natan Daniel , Couto Patricia Guimaraes , de Abreu Andrea Pio , da Silva Giovanio Vieira , Mion Decio , Low David A. , de Moraes Forjaz Claudia Lucia
Published: December 2020

This study tested the hypotheses that activation of central command and muscle mechanoreflex during post-exercise recovery delays fast-phase heart rate recovery with little influence on the slow phase. Twenty-five healthy men underwent three submaximal cycling bouts, each followed by a different 5-min recovery protocol: active (cycling generated by the own subject), passive (cycling generated by external force) and inactive (no-cycling). Heart rate recovery was assessed by the heart rate decay from peak exercise to 30 s and 60 s of recovery (HRR30s, HRR60s fast phase) and from 60 s-to-300 s of recovery (HRR60−300s slow phase). The effect of central command was examined by comparing active and passive recoveries (with and without central command activation) and the effect of mechanoreflex was assessed by comparing passive and inactive recoveries (with and without mechanoreflex activation). Heart rate recovery was similar between active and passive recoveries, regardless of the phase. Heart rate recovery was slower in the passive than inactive recovery in the fast phase (HRR60s=20±8vs.27 ±10 bpm, p<0.01), but not in the slow phase (HRR60−300s=13±8vs.10±8 bpm, p=0.11). In conclusion, activation of mechanoreflex, but not central command, during recovery delays fast-phase heart rate recovery. These results elucidate important neural mechanisms behind heart rate recovery regulation.
Relationship Between Humeral Energy Flow During the Baseball Pitch and Glenohumeral Stability
Authors: Barfield Jeff W. , Wasserberger Kyle W. , Oliver Gretchen D.
Published: December 2020

Researchers suggest that motion deriving energy from the more proximal segments of the body is important to reduce injury susceptibility. However, limited clinical assessments have been associated with efficient energy flow within a complex movement such as the baseball pitch. This research aimed to determine the relationship between glenohumeral stability as determined by the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test and energy transfer into and out of the humerus during the baseball pitching motion. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected at 240 Hz on twenty-four baseball pitchers. Participants performed the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test prior to throwing three fastballs at game speed to a catcher with the fastest fastball used for analysis. Spearman’s Rho were used to examine relationships between energy flow in and out of the humerus with glenohumeral stability as determined by the average score and normalized stance width during the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test. There was a significant negative correlation between the average score and normalized peak power leaving the humerus (r
s[22]=−0.42, p=0.04). This result provides preliminary support for the use of the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test as a clinical assessment of a pitcher’s ability to efficiently transfer energy within the upper extremity during the pitch.
A Generalized Equation for Prediction of VO2peak from a Step Test
Authors: Selland Corey A. , Kelly Joshua , Gums Kathleen , Meendering Jessica R. , Vukovich Matt
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to develop an equation to reduce variability of VO2peak prediction from a step test and compare VO2peak prediction from the new equation to the Queen’s College Step Test (QCST). The development group (n=86; 21.7±2 years) was utilized to develop the SDState step test equation to predict relative VO2peak. The cross-validation group (n=99; 21.6±2 years) was used to determine the validity of the SDState step test VO2peak prediction equation. A regression analysis was used to identify the best model to predict VO2peak. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was further used to determine differences among predicted and measured VO2peak values. Forward stepwise multiple regression identified age, sex, abdominal circumference, and active heart rate at the 3-min mark of the step test to be significant predictors of VO2peak (mL·kg−1·min−1). No differences among measured VO2peak (47.3±7.1 mL·kg−1·min−1) and predicted VO2peak (QCST, 46.9±9.3 mL·kg−1·min−1; SDState 48.3±5.7 mL·kg−1·min−1) were found. Pearson correlations, ICC, SEE, TEE, Bland-Altman plots, and Mountain plots indicate the SDState step test equation provides less variation in the prediction of VO2peak compared to the QCST. The SDState step test equation is effective for predicting VO2peak from the YMCA step test in young, healthy adults.
Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der allgemeinen ambulanten Palliativversorgung aus Sicht hausärztlicher Praxisteams
Authors: Zimansky Manuel , Gerdes Amrei , Schneider Nils , Stiel Stephanie
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund Zur Stärkung von AAPV fehlt es oftmals an Konkretisierung der Handlungsfelder für hausärztliche Praxisteams. Im Projekt „ALLPRAX“ wurde der Frage nachgegangen, welche Maßnahmen aus Sicht von Hausärzten und Medizinischen Fachangestellten das Potenzial haben, die AAPV in ihren jeweiligen Praxen zu verbessern.

Methode Acht Praxisteams wählten in jeweils einem Workshop anhand eines in einer vorherigen Projektphase entwickelten Maßnahmenkatalogs, geeignete Maßnahmen für eine Erprobung und Weiterentwicklung in ihrer eigenen Praxis aus.

Ergebnisse Die Praxisteams erachteten 35 aus 120 Maßnahmen für geeignet, die Palliativversorgung in ihrem Zuständigkeitsbereich zu verbessern. Am häufigsten wurden Maßnahmen zur vorausschauenden Versorgung von Patienten, Patienten- und Angehörigen-Beratung sowie Bildungsmaßnahmen für die Praxisteams ausgewählt.

Schlussfolgerung Zur Weiterentwicklung von AAPV in Hausarztpraxen bedarf es eines umfangreichen und zugleich differenzierten Interventionspakets.
Dosage of Anticoagulants in Obesity: Recommendations Based on a Systematic Review
Authors: Abildgaard Anders , Madsen Sofie A. , Hvas Anne-Mette
Published: December 2020

Anticoagulants are frequently used as thromboprophylaxis and in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or venous thromboembolism (VTE). While obesity rates are reaching epidemic proportions worldwide, the optimal dosage for obese patients has not been established for most anticoagulants, including low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC), and pentasaccharides (fondaparinux). The aim of the present systematic review was to summarize the current knowledge and provide recommendations on dosage of LMWH, NOAC, and fondaparinux in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2 or body weight ≥ 100 kg). Based on a systematic search in PubMed and Embase, a total of 72 studies were identified. For thromboprophylaxis with LMWH in bariatric surgery (n = 20 studies), enoxaparin 40 mg twice daily, dalteparin 5,000 IE twice daily, or tinzaparin 75 IU/kg once daily should be considered for patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. For thromboprophylaxis with LMWH in nonbariatric surgery and in medical inpatients (n = 8 studies), enoxaparin 0.5 mg/kg once or twice daily or tinzaparin 75 IU/kg once daily may be considered in obese patients. For treatment with LMWH (n = 18 studies), a reduced weight-based dose of enoxaparin 0.8 mg/kg twice daily should be considered in patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, and no dose capping of dalteparin and tinzaparin should be applied for body weight < 140 kg. As regards NOAC, rivaroxaban, apixaban, or dabigatran may be used as thromboprophylaxis in patients with BMI < 40 kg/m2 (n = 4 studies), whereas rivaroxaban and apixaban may be administered to obese patients with VTE or AF, including BMI > 40 kg/m2, at standard fixed-dose (n = 20 studies). The limited available evidence on fondaparinux (n = 3 studies) indicated that the treatment dose should be increased to 10 mg once daily in patients weighing > 100 kg.
Rivaroxaban Compared to Placebo for the Treatment of Leg Superficial Vein Thrombosis: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Kearon Clive , Carrier Marc , Gu Chu-Shu , Schulman Sam , Bates Shannon M. , Kahn Susan R. , Chagnon Isabelle , Nguyen Doan Trang , Wu Cynthia , Rudd-Scott Lisa , Julian Jim A.
Published: December 2020

The role of rivaroxaban in the treatment of leg superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is uncertain. This article aims to determine if rivaroxaban is an effective and safe treatment for leg SVT. Patients with symptomatic leg SVT of at least 5 cm length were randomized to 45 days of rivaroxaban 10 mg daily or to placebo, and followed for a total of 90 days. Treatment failure (required a nonstudy anticoagulant; had proximal deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism; or had surgery for SVT) at 90 days was the primary efficacy outcome. Secondary efficacy outcomes included leg pain severity, and venous disease-specific and general health-related quality of life over 90 days. Major bleeding at 90 days was the primary safety outcome. Poor enrollment led to the trial being stopped after 85 of the planned 600 patients were randomized to rivaroxaban (n = 43) or placebo (n = 42). One rivaroxaban and five placebo patients had a treatment failure by 90 days (absolute risk reduction = 9.0%, 95% confidence interval: −22 to 5.9%). Leg pain improvement did not differ at 7 (p = 0.16) or 45 days (p = 0.89), but was greater with rivaroxaban at 90 days (p = 0.011). There was no difference in venous disease-specific (p = 0.99) or general health-related (p = 0.37) quality of life over 45 days. There were no major bleeds or deaths in either group. There were no identifiable differences in efficacy or safety between rivaroxaban and placebo in patients with symptomatic SVT but comparisons were undermined by a much smaller than planned sample size (NCT1499953).
Leigh Syndrome—TUFM Gene Mutation as a New Probable Genetic Marker: A Case Report
Authors: Jain Nikhil , Bhargava Harshit , Dwivedi Deepak
Published: December 2020

Leigh's syndrome is a rare neurodegenerative disorder which is of autosomal recessive or mitochondrial inheritance. Global incidence is 1 in 40,000 although very few cases have been reported from India. Respiratory failure is the main cause of death in these children. An 8-year-old female presented to pediatric intensive care unit with chief complaints of seizure (generalized tonic-clonic seizure type), generalized weakness, and swelling, which on MRI and genetic study was diagnosed as Leigh syndrome or Leigh like syndrome. Genetic study revealed a new TUFM gene mutation. Patient improved over the time, oxygen was weaned gradually, and nasogastric tube feeding started, and patient shifted to ward, and discharged on oral antiepileptic therapy. A genetic counseling, early diagnosis, better understanding of disease can result in good seizure control and improved quality of life of these patients. TUFM gene mutation must be considered as a new probable genetic marker.
PredictMed: A Machine Learning Model for Identifying Risk Factors of Neuromuscular Hip Dysplasia: A Multicenter Descriptive Study
Authors: Bertoncelli Carlo M. , Altamura Paola , Bertoncelli Domenico , Rampal Virginie , Vieira Edgar Ramos , Solla Federico
Published: December 2020

Neuromuscular hip dysplasia (NHD) is a common and severe problem in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Previous studies have so far identified only spasticity (SP) and high levels of Gross Motor Function Classification System as factors associated with NHD. The aim of this study is to develop a machine learning model to identify additional risk factors of NHD. This was a cross-sectional multicenter descriptive study of 102 teenagers with CP (60 males, 42 females; 60 inpatients, 42 outpatients; mean age 16.5 ± 1.2 years, range 12–18 years). Data on etiology, diagnosis, SP, epilepsy (E), clinical history, and functional assessments were collected between 2007 and 2017. Hip dysplasia was defined as femoral head lateral migration percentage > 33% on pelvic radiogram. A logistic regression-prediction model named PredictMed was developed to identify risk factors of NHD. Twenty-eight (27%) teenagers with CP had NHD, of which 18 (67%) had dislocated hips. Logistic regression model identified poor walking abilities (p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] infinity; 95% confidence interval [CI] infinity), scoliosis (p = 0.01; OR 3.22; 95% CI 1.30–7.92), trunk muscles' tone disorder (p = 0.002; OR 4.81; 95% CI 1.75–13.25), SP (p = 0.006; OR 6.6; 95% CI 1.46–30.23), poor motor function (p = 0.02; OR 5.5; 95% CI 1.2–25.2), and E (p = 0.03; OR 2.6; standard error 0.44) as risk factors of NHD. The accuracy of the model was 77%. PredictMed identified trunk muscles' tone disorder, severe scoliosis, E, and SP as risk factors of NHD in teenagers with CP.
Pregnancy Outcomes Associated with Introduction of Early Diabetes Screening Guidelines
Authors: Weiss Rebecca E. , Badreldin Nevert , Drexler Kathleen , Niznik Charlotte , Yee Lynn M.
Published: December 2020

Objective The study aimed to evaluate perinatal outcomes associated with introduction of and adherence to early diabetes screening guidelines.

Study Design Retrospective cohort study of all women who received prenatal care at a single, high-volume tertiary care center before (“preguidelines”) and after (“postguidelines”) American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines for early pregnancy diabetes screening for women at high risk for diabetes. Women with known pregestational diabetes, late entry to prenatal care, a fetus with a known anomaly, or multiple gestation were excluded. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were constructed to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between women in the preguidelines cohort to those in the postguidelines cohort. Similarly, adherence to screening guidelines was assessed, and among all women who were eligible for early diabetes screening, multivariable linear, and logistic models were created to compare outcomes between those women who were screened early to those who were not.

Results Of the 2,069 women eligible for analysis, 64.6% (n = 1,337) were in the postguideline cohort. Women in the postguideline cohort were older, less likely to have a history of smoking, and more likely to be non-Hispanic white. On multivariable analysis, women in the postguideline cohort had significantly less gestational weight gain (aβ = −2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.4 to −1.1), but a higher odds of 5-minute Apgar's score of <7 (adjusted odds ratio: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.11–5.66). Of 461 women who met ACOG early diabetes screening criteria, 58.7% (n = 270) were screened appropriately. Adherence to screening was associated with parity, race, insurance, and BMI. On multivariable analysis, there were no significant differences in neonatal outcomes between women meeting early screening criteria who were screened early and those who were not.

Conclusion Introduction of early diabetes screening guidelines was associated with a significant decrease in gestational weight gain, but did not improve neonatal outcomes.

Key Points
Propagation of laser-generated shock waves in metals: 3D axisymmetric simulations compared to experiments
Authors: Cuenca Eduardo , Ducousso Mathieu , Rondepierre Alexandre , Videau Laurent , Cuvillier Nicolas , Berthe Laurent , Coulouvrat François
Published: December 2020

This work aims at demonstrating the ability of an acoustic linear code to model the propagation of a shock wave created by a laser impact over a metallic surface. In this process, a high pressure surface level is reached using a ns laser pulse that heats the surface of the material and generates a dense plasma expansion. The pressure reaches few GPa so shock waves are generated and propagate into the bulk of the material. Currently, shock wave propagation is modeled using continuity equations and an ad hoc equation of state for the illuminated material, very limiting because it is numerically intensive. Here, we propose to model the shock wave bulk propagation using a linear acoustic code. A nonlinear surface pressure term, resulting from the laser–matter interaction, is used as a boundary condition. The applied numerical scheme is based on the Virieux scheme, including a fourth order finite difference discretization of the linearized elastomechanical equations. The role of longitudinal and transverse waves and their origins are highlighted. The importance of considering 3D geometries is pointed out. Simulations are finally confronted with experimental results obtained with the Hephaistos Laserlab facility (energy up to 14 J at 532 nm wavelength laser; pulse duration: 7 ns). Illuminations up to the optical breakdown in water are easily achieved with laser focal spots of 5 mm width. Excellent agreement between experiments and simulations is observed for several sets of experimental parameters for titanium, a material of high elastic limit, while limitations are founded for aluminum. The code is available in the MetaData.
Potential predisposing factors for ecchymosis in the intercostal muscles of sheep carcases in South Australia
Authors: Flanagan Leesa-Joy , Bennett Tiffany , Winslow Emma , Hebart Michelle , Rutley David , Trengove Colin
Published: December 2020

Context Ecchymosis is an undesirable appearance in meat caused by small bleeds from capillaries broken during the slaughter process. These lesions are heavily trimmed during processing, incurring labour costs and yield losses. Aims To estimate the prevalence of ecchymosis in a South Australian abattoir and investigate potential predisposing factors. Methods A generalised linear mixed model estimated the effects of breed, age, slaughter shift (morning or afternoon), kill date, direct or market consignment, hot standard carcase weight (HSCW, kg), deviation from lot average carcase weight (ZHSCW, standard units), palpated fat score (mm) and time in lairage (h) on the prevalence of ecchymosis. Over 7 days, 12286 lamb and 3802 mutton carcases from 82 properties were scored (0, 1) for ecchymosis. Key results Lambs had a higher prevalence of ecchymosis (14%) than did mutton (1%; P < 0.001), with significant variation between lines of lambs (P < 0.001). Considering lambs only, kill date (P < 0.01), time in lairage (P < 0.001), and the quadratic terms of HSCW (P < 0.001) and ZHSCW (P < 0.01) affected the prevalence of ecchymosis. Conclusions Ecchymosis had a significant prevalence in lambs only. The time lambs spend in lairage and their bodyweight may be predisposing factors for ecchymosis before slaughter and warrant further investigation. Implications The interaction of size and weight extremeness appeared to predispose lambs to developing ecchymosis at slaughter. Farm of origin was another identified risk factor (management group). Whether it was size and extremeness influencing body composition or other mechanisms involved in vascular integrity, is not known. Further research is required to identify these mechanisms so as to establish breeding and management guidelines that will decrease the likelihood and cost of ecchymosis in lambs. Ecchymosis remains poorly understood, but fractured capillaries indicate a weakness in vascular tissue. Given the present study included over 12000 observations in 7 days, ecchymosis in lambs could be used as a model to study vascular weakness in humans.
Doctors identify regulatory barriers for their patients with type 2 diabetes to access the nutritional expertise of dietitians
Authors: Siopis George , Colagiuri Stephen , Allman-Farinelli Margaret
Published: December 2020

Diet is central to the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and better outcomes are achieved when the dietary intervention is delivered by a dietitian. Yet, many people with T2D never see a dietitian. It has been proposed that doctors prefer to provide the dietary advice themselves or rely on medication to treat their patients instead of referring them to a dietitian. This study aimed to collect the opinions and perspectives of doctors with regard to the dietary management of people with T2D in Australia. GPs and physicians treating people with T2D were recruited to participate in semistructured interviews conducted over the telephone. Inductive thematic analysis of content was conducted. Five GPs and seven physicians participated in the study. The qualitative analysis identified four main themes: the importance and role of diet in the management of T2D; the perceived value of dietetic care; access to dietetic services; and patients’ motivation to consult a dietitian. All participants acknowledged the importance of diet in the treatment of T2D and all but one preferred to refer patients to a dietitian for nutritional management. Among the reported barriers to accessing dietetic services were: specialist physicians’ lack of access to the national referral scheme for chronic conditions; patients’ financial circumstances; and inadequacy of the number of subsidised sessions. It is important to facilitate and subsidise access to dietetic services through existing mechanisms by increasing the number of visits on the chronic disease management scheme and providing referral rights to specialist physicians.
DNA methylation mutants in
Physcomitrella patens
elucidate individual roles of CG and non-CG methylation in genome regulation
Authors: Domb Katherine , Katz Aviva , Harris Keith D. , Yaari Rafael , Kaisler Efrat , Nguyen Vu H. , Hong Uyen V. T. , Griess Ofir , Heskiau Karina G. , Ohad Nir , Zemach Assaf
Published: December 2020

Significance

While DNA methylation in plants occurs at CG, CHG, and CHH sequence contexts, their comparative roles in genome regulation remain elusive. Here, we utilized
Physcomitrella patens
as a plant model suitable to study this question. By profiling transcriptomes in a series of context-specific methylation mutants, we found redundancy between asymmetric (CHH) methylation and symmetric methylation in silencing transposons, and that CHH methylation regulates the expression of CG/CHG-depleted transposons. Specific elimination of CG methylation had a significantly smaller effect on transcription than elimination of non-CG methylation. Additionally, we found CHG methylation as a stronger silencer than CG methylation. These results disentangle the transcriptional roles of the individual methylation contexts and elucidate the crucial role of non-CG methylation in genome regulation.
Hidden proteome of synaptic vesicles in the mammalian brain
Authors: Taoufiq Zacharie , Ninov Momchil , Villar-Briones Alejandro , Wang Han-Ying , Sasaki Toshio , Roy Michael C. , Beauchain Francois , Mori Yasunori , Yoshida Tomofumi , Takamori Shigeo , Jahn Reinhard , Takahashi Tomoyuki
Published: December 2020

Significance

Mammalian central synapses of diverse functions contribute to highly complex brain organization, but the molecular basis of synaptic diversity remains open. This is because current synapse proteomics are restricted to the “average” composition of abundant synaptic proteins. Here, we demonstrate a subcellular proteomic workflow that can identify and quantify the deep proteome of synaptic vesicles, including previously missing proteins present in a small percentage of central synapses. This synaptic vesicle proteome revealed many proteins of physiological and pathological relevance, particularly in the low-abundance range, thus providing a resource for future investigations on diversified synaptic functions and neuronal dysfunctions.
Enforcement may crowd out voluntary support for COVID-19 policies, especially where trust in government is weak and in a liberal society
Authors: Schmelz Katrin
Published: December 2020

Significance

This paper makes three contributions. First, it provides insights from Germany on people’s agreement with policy choices that all countries face in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. My findings point to dimensions relevant for policy makers when deciding between voluntary as opposed to enforced measures. These insights include the essential role of trust in government. Second, the paper contributes to the small but important literature on the intersection of policy design, state capacities, and the interplay of obedience and voluntary compliance. Third, my finding that even 30 y after reunification those who have experienced state coercion in East Germany are less control-averse concerning anti–COVID-19 measures than West Germans contributes to the literature on endogenous preferences and comparative cultural studies.
Single-molecule nanopore sequencing reveals extreme target copy number heterogeneity in arylomycin-resistant mutants
Authors: Girgis Hany S. , DuPai Cory D. , Lund Jessica , Reeder Janina , Guillory Joseph , Durinck Steffen , Liang Yuxin , Kaminker Joshua , Smith Peter A. , Skippington Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Significance

Genetic heterogeneity is a significant driver of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Understanding copy number (CN) heterogeneity is important because minority subclones with increased CN can drive resistance during antibiotic exposure, but revert and escape detection during clinical susceptibility testing. Despite its clinical relevance, CN variation has eluded quantification at single-molecule resolution. Here, we report nanopore sequencing of arylomycin-resistant mutants carrying tandem repeats ranging in size from 4.8 to 50.0 kb and encompassing the arylomycin target gene
lepB
. Reads spanning individual repeat arrays show vast differences in CN, underscoring the importance of amplifications in driving the emergence of genetic heterogeneity. This is a direct observation of cell-to-cell CN differences in an antibiotic-resistant bacterial population.
Gliricidia sepium (gliricidia).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: December 2020

G. sepium is an adaptable, fast growing, precociously seeding tree, with the ability to disperse seeds up to 40 m from the parent tree from exploding pods. This species has been widely introduced across tropical and subtropical regions to be used for fuel wood, animal feed, green manure, shade, poles, living fences, erosion control, soil improver, and as a boundary and support plant. It has escaped from cultivation and has become a successful colonizer of disturbed sites, roadsides, abandoned agricultural land and areas near cultivation (Elevitch and Francis, 2006). This species is listed as invasive in Australia, Hawaii, the Philippines, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Tonga, Singapore, Comoros, and Trinidad and Tobago (Vos, 2004; PIER, 2016; Trinidad and Tobago Biodiversity, 2016; Weeds of Australia, 2016). It is also regarded as a potential weed and as a moderate or potentially invasive species in many countries across Asia, Africa, and the West Indies (Acevedo-Rodríguez and Strong, 2012; ILDIS, 2016; PROTA, 2016; USDA-ARS, 2016).
An ATM–Chk2–INCENP pathway activates the abscission checkpoint
Authors: Petsalaki Eleni , Zachos George
Published: December 2020

During cell division, in response to chromatin bridges, the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) delays abscission to prevent chromosome breakage or tetraploidization. Here, we show that inhibition of ATM or Chk2 kinases impairs CPC localization to the midbody center, accelerates midbody resolution in normally segregating cells, and correlates with premature abscission and chromatin breakage in cytokinesis with trapped chromatin. In cultured human cells, ATM activates Chk2 at late midbodies. In turn, Chk2 phosphorylates human INCENP-Ser91 to promote INCENP binding to Mklp2 kinesin and CPC localization to the midbody center through Mklp2 association with Cep55. Expression of truncated Mklp2 that does not bind to Cep55 or nonphosphorylatable INCENP-Ser91A impairs CPC midbody localization and accelerates abscission. In contrast, expression of phosphomimetic INCENP-Ser91D or a chimeric INCENP protein that is targeted to the midbody center rescues the abscission delay in Chk2-deficient or ATM-deficient cells. Furthermore, the Mre11–Rad50–Nbs1 complex is required for ATM activation at the midbody in cytokinesis with chromatin bridges. These results identify an ATM–Chk2–INCENP pathway that imposes the abscission checkpoint by regulating CPC midbody localization.