bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arachidonic acid drives adaptive responses to chemotherapy-induced stress in malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Cioce Mario , Canino Claudia , Pass Harvey , Blandino Giovanni , Strano Sabrina , Fazio Vito Michele
Published: November 2021

Background

High resistance to therapy and poor prognosis characterizes malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). In fact, the current lines of treatment, based on platinum and pemetrexed, have limited impact on the survival of MPM patients. Adaptive response to therapy-induced stress involves complex rearrangements of the MPM secretome, mediated by the acquisition of a senescence-associated-secretory-phenotype (SASP). This fuels the emergence of chemoresistant cell subpopulations, with specific gene expression traits and protumorigenic features. The SASP-driven rearrangement of MPM secretome takes days to weeks to occur. Thus, we have searched for early mediators of such adaptive process and focused on metabolites differentially released in mesothelioma vs mesothelial cell culture media, after treatment with pemetrexed.

Methods

Mass spectrometry-based (LC/MS and GC/MS) identification of extracellular metabolites and unbiased statistical analysis were performed on the spent media of mesothelial and mesothelioma cell lines, at steady state and after a pulse with pharmacologically relevant doses of the drug. ELISA based evaluation of arachidonic acid (AA) levels and enzyme inhibition assays were used to explore the role of cPLA2 in AA release and that of LOX/COX-mediated processing of AA. QRT-PCR, flow cytometry analysis of ALDH expressing cells and 3D spheroid growth assays were employed to assess the role of AA at mediating chemoresistance features of MPM. ELISA based detection of p65 and IkBalpha were used to interrogate the NFkB pathway activation in AA-treated cells.

Results

We first validated what is known or expected from the mechanism of action of the antifolate. Further, we found increased levels of PUFAs and, more specifically, arachidonic acid (AA), in the transformed cell lines treated with pemetrexed. We showed that pharmacologically relevant doses of AA tightly recapitulated the rearrangement of cell subpopulations and the gene expression changes happening in pemetrexed -treated cultures and related to chemoresistance. Further, we showed that release of AA following pemetrexed treatment was due to cPLA2 and that AA signaling impinged on NFkB activation and largely affected anchorage-independent, 3D growth and the resistance of the MPM 3D cultures to the drug.

Conclusions

AA is an early mediator of the adaptive response to pem in chemoresistant MPM and, possibly, other malignancies.
Onchocerca volvulus transmission in the Mbam valley of Cameroon following 16 years of annual community-directed treatment with ivermectin, and the description of a new cytotype of Simulium squamosum
Authors: Hendy Adam , Krit Meryam , Pfarr Kenneth , Laemmer Christine , De Witte Jacobus , Nwane Philippe , Kamgno Joseph , Nana-Djeunga Hugues C. , Boussinesq Michel , Dujardin Jean-Claude , Post Rory , Colebunders Robert , O’Neill Sarah , Enyong Peter , Njamnshi Alfred K.
Published: November 2021

Background

The onchocerciasis focus surrounding the lower Mbam and Sanaga rivers, where Onchocerca volvulus is transmitted by Simulium damnosum s.l. (Diptera: Simuliidae), was historically the largest in the southern regions of Cameroon. Annual community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) has been taking place since 2000, but recent studies have shown that new infections are occurring in children. We aimed to investigate blackfly biting and O. volvulus transmission rates along the lower Mbam river 16 years after the formal onset of annual CDTI.

Methods

Black flies were collected for three consecutive days each month between July 2016 and June 2017 at two riverside villages and two inland sites situated 4.9 km and 7.9 km from the riverside. Specimens collected at each site were dissected on one of the three collection days each month to estimate parity rates and O. volvulus infection rates, while the remaining samples were preserved for pool screening.

Results

In total, 93,573 S. damnosum s.l. black flies were recorded biting humans and 9281 were dissected. Annual biting rates of up to 606,370 were estimated at the riverside, decreasing to 20,540 at 7.9 km, while, based on dissections, annual transmission potentials of up to 4488 were estimated at the riverside, decreasing to 102 and 0 at 4.9 km and 7.9 km, respectively. However, pool screening showed evidence of infection in black flies at the furthest distance from the river. Results of both methods demonstrated the percentage of infective flies to be relatively low (0.10–0.36%), but above the WHO threshold for interruption of transmission. In addition, a small number of larvae collected during the dry season revealed the presence of Simulium squamosum E. This is the first time S. squamosum E has been found east of Lake Volta in Ghana, but our material was chromosomally distinctive, and we call it S. squamosum E2.

Conclusions

Relatively low O. volvulus infection rates appear to be offset by extremely high densities of biting black flies which are sustaining transmission along the banks of the lower Mbam river.

Graphical Abstract
The apolipoprotein receptor LRP3 compromises APP levels
Authors: Cuchillo-Ibañez Inmaculada , Lennol Matthew P. , Escamilla Sergio , Mata-Balaguer Trinidad , Valverde-Vozmediano Lucía , Lopez-Font Inmaculada , Ferrer Isidro , Sáez-Valero Javier
Published: November 2021

Background

Members of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family are involved in endocytosis and in transducing signals, but also in amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and β-amyloid secretion. ApoER2/LRP8 is a member of this family with key roles in synaptic plasticity in the adult brain. ApoER2 is cleaved after the binding of its ligand, the reelin protein, generating an intracellular domain (ApoER2-ICD) that modulates reelin gene transcription itself. We have analyzed whether ApoER2-ICD is able to regulate the expression of other LDL receptors, and we focused on LRP3, the most unknown member of this family. We analyzed LRP3 expression in middle-aged individuals (MA) and in cases with Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related pathology, and the relation of LRP3 with APP.

Methods

The effects of full-length ApoER2 and ApoER2-ICD overexpression on protein levels, in the presence of recombinant reelin or Aβ42 peptide, were evaluated by microarray, qRT-PCRs, and western blots in SH-SY5Y cells. LRP3 expression was analyzed in human frontal cortex extracts from MA subjects (mean age 51.8±4.8 years) and AD-related pathology subjects [Braak neurofibrillary tangle stages I–II, 68.4±8.8 years; III–IV, 80.4 ± 8.8 years; V–VI, 76.5±9.7 years] by qRT-PCRs and western blot; LRP3 interaction with other proteins was assessed by immunoprecipitation. In CHO cells overexpressing LRP3, protein levels of full-length APP and fragments were evaluated by western blots. Chloroquine was employed to block the lysosomal/autophagy function.

Results

We have identified that ApoER2 overexpression increases LRP3 expression, also after reelin stimulation of ApoER2 signaling. The same occurred following ApoER2-ICD overexpression. In extracts from subjects with AD-related pathology, the levels of LRP3 mRNA and protein were lower than those in MA subjects. Interestingly, LRP3 transfection in CHO-PS70 cells induced a decrease of full-length APP levels and APP-CTF, particularly in the membrane fraction. In cell supernatants, levels of APP fragments from the amyloidogenic (sAPPα) or non-amyloidogenic (sAPPβ) pathways, as well as Aβ peptides, were drastically reduced with respect to mock-transfected cells. The inhibitor of lysosomal/autophagy function, chloroquine, significantly increased full-length APP, APP-CTF, and sAPPα levels.

Conclusions

ApoER2/reelin signaling regulates LRP3 expression, whose levels are affected in AD; LRP3 is involved in the regulation of APP levels.
Fexofenadine: review of safety, efficacy and unmet needs in children with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Meltzer Eli O. , Rosario Nelson Augusto , Van Bever Hugo , Lucio Luiz
Published: November 2021

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common undiagnosed chronic condition in children. Moderate/severe AR symptoms significantly impair quality of life, and cause sleep disruption, absenteeism and decreased productivity. Additionally, untreated AR predisposes children to asthma and other chronic conditions. Although intranasal corticosteroids are the most effective pharmacologic treatment for AR, oral antihistamines are often preferred. First-generation antihistamines may be chosen to relieve AR symptoms as they are inexpensive and widely available; however, they cause sedative and cardiovascular negative effects due to poor receptor selectivity. Therefore, second-generation antihistamines were developed to reduce adverse effects while retaining efficacy. There are fewer clinical trials in children than adults, therefore, efficacy and safety data is limited, particularly in children under 6 years, highlighting the need to generate these data in young children with AR. Fexofenadine, a highly selective second-generation antihistamine, effectively alleviates symptoms of AR, is non-sedating due to decreased blood–brain barrier permeability, and is devoid of cardiovascular side effects. Importantly, fexofenadine relieves the ocular symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, which occur concomitantly with AR, improving quality of life. Overall, fexofenadine displays a favorable safety profile and results in greater treatment satisfaction in children compared with other second-generation antihistamines. This review aimed to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of fexofenadine with other available first- and second-generation antihistamines in children with AR.
The first reported case of Blaptica dubia cockroach allergy
Authors: Wangberg Hannah , Mendoza Jun , Gomez Robert , Coop Christopher , White Andrew , Woessner Katharine
Published: November 2021

Background

Periplaneta americana and Blattella germanica cockroaches are widespread, and risk of sensitization increases in urban environments where these roaches thrive as household pests. There are no prior reports of Blaptica dubia cockroach allergy, though human exposure to B. dubia is increasing through commercial breeding as feeder insects.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old B. dubia cockroach breeder presented with progressively worsening upper and lower respiratory symptoms in recent years. Symptoms were worse with exposure to her B. dubia roach colony. Skin prick testing (SPT) to B. dubia cast skin, internal organs, and feces was performed in both the subject and a human control. Testing for P. americana and B. germanica sensitization was also performed in the subject. SDS–Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), immunoblots, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) studies were performed using the subject and control serums to explore for specific IgE binding to B. dubia as well as P. americana. Our results showed SPT was positive to B. dubia internal organs in the subject and negative in the control. In the subject, SPT was negative to P. americana though intradermal (ID) testing was positive and serum specific IgE (sIgE) testing was negative to B. germanica. Immunoblotting of the subject's serum to B. dubia internal organ extract showed several distinct bands of IgE binding at 47 kilodaltons (kD), 68 kD, 74 kD, 83 kD, and 118 kD. The strongest band was at 118 kD on B. dubia immunoblotting, which was absent in P. americana on SDS-PAGE. ELISA studies showed an increased IgE response to both B. dubia and P. americana in the subject versus the control.

Conclusions

This case confirmed the first reported allergy to B. dubia cockroaches. There may be cross-reactivity between B. dubia and P. americana, though our case suggests SPT and sIgE testing using P. americana and B. germanica extract has potential to miss a B. dubia cockroach allergy. This allergy is likely underreported, and further study is needed to explore the natural history of B. dubia cockroach allergy.
Post-coronavirus disease 2019 polyneuropathy with significant response to immunoglobulin therapy: a case report
Authors: Saleh A. , Jung R. , Tonner S. , Hornof F. , Strittmatter M.
Published: November 2021

Background

The symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019, caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, were originally assumed to be mainly respiratory. With increasing knowledge, however, it turned out that the spectrum of complaints varies broadly with age and concomitant diseases. While many neurological symptoms were reported in the context of the disease, ranging from permanent fatigue to recurrent headaches and concentration disturbance, treatment approaches are still in development. This case discusses a possible treatment approach with immunoglobulin therapy and its outcomes.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 56-year-old Caucasian female patient who, following coronavirus disease 2019, developed peripheral sensory and autonomic disturbances that fell within subacute demyelinating neuropathy. Because a significant improvement in symptoms as well as in the results of clinical and electrophysiological examination was reported after immunoglobulin therapy, long-term therapy does not appear to be necessary.

Conclusion

Given the significant subjective and objective improvement reported, this case provides additional evidence that immunoglobulin therapy can be considered in post-coronavirus disease 2019 syndrome.
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor agonistic autoantibody blockade improves postpartum hypertension and cardiac mitochondrial function in rat model of preeclampsia
Authors: Booz George W. , Kennedy Daniel , Bowling Michael , Robinson Taprieka , Azubuike Daniel , Fisher Brandon , Brooks Karen , Chinthakuntla Pooja , Hoang Ngoc H. , Hosler Jonathan P. , Cunningham Mark W.
Published: November 2021

Women with preeclampsia (PE) have a greater risk of developing hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and renal disease later in life. Angiotensin II type I receptor agonistic autoantibodies (AT1-AAs) are elevated in women with PE during pregnancy and up to 2-year postpartum (PP), and in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of PE. Blockade of AT1-AA with a specific 7 amino acid peptide binding sequence (‘n7AAc’) improves pathophysiology observed in RUPP rats; however, the long-term effects of AT1-AA inhibition in PP is unknown. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: normal pregnant (NP) (n = 16), RUPP (n = 15), and RUPP + ‘n7AAc’ (n = 16). Gestational day 14, RUPP surgery was performed and ‘n7AAc’ (144 μg/day) administered via osmotic minipump. At 10-week PP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), renal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and cardiac functions, and cardiac mitochondria function were assessed. MAP was elevated PP in RUPP vs. NP (126 ± 4 vs. 116 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.05), but was normalized in in RUPP + ‘n7AAc’ (109 ± 3 mmHg) vs. RUPP (p < 0.05). PP heart size was reduced by RUPP + ’n7AAc’ vs. RUPP rats (p < 0.05). Complex IV protein abundance and enzymatic activity, along with glutamate/malate-driven respiration (complexes I, III, and IV), were reduced in the heart of RUPP vs. NP rats which was prevented with ‘n7AAc’. AT1-AA inhibition during pregnancy not only improves blood pressure and pathophysiology of PE in rats during pregnancy, but also long-term changes in blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiac mitochondrial function PP.
Protein profile of fiber types in human skeletal muscle: a single-fiber proteomics study
Authors: Murgia Marta , Nogara Leonardo , Baraldo Martina , Reggiani Carlo , Mann Matthias , Schiaffino Stefano
Published: November 2021

Background

Human skeletal muscle is composed of three major fiber types, referred to as type 1, 2A, and 2X fibers. This heterogeneous cellular composition complicates the interpretation of studies based on whole skeletal muscle lysate. A single-fiber proteomics approach is required to obtain a fiber-type resolved quantitative information on skeletal muscle pathophysiology.

Methods

Single fibers were dissected from vastus lateralis muscle biopsies of young adult males and processed for mass spectrometry-based single-fiber proteomics. We provide and analyze a resource dataset based on relatively pure fibers, containing at least 80% of either MYH7 (marker of slow type 1 fibers), MYH2 (marker of fast 2A fibers), or MYH1 (marker of fast 2X fibers).

Results

In a dataset of more than 3800 proteins detected by single-fiber proteomics, we selected 404 proteins showing a statistically significant difference among fiber types. We identified numerous type 1 or 2X fiber type–specific protein markers, defined as proteins present at 3-fold or higher levels in these compared to other fiber types. In contrast, we could detect only two 2A-specific protein markers in addition to MYH2. We observed three other major patterns: proteins showing a differential distribution according to the sequence 1 > 2A > 2X or 2X > 2A > 1 and type 2–specific proteins expressed in 2A and 2X fibers at levels 3 times greater than in type 1 fibers. In addition to precisely quantifying known fiber type–specific protein patterns, our study revealed several novel features of fiber type specificity, including the selective enrichment of components of the dystrophin and integrin complexes, as well as microtubular proteins, in type 2X fibers. The fiber type–specific distribution of some selected proteins revealed by proteomics was validated by immunofluorescence analyses with specific antibodies.

Conclusion

We here show that numerous muscle proteins, including proteins whose function is unknown, are selectively enriched in specific fiber types, pointing to potential implications in muscle pathophysiology. This reinforces the notion that single-fiber proteomics, together with recently developed approaches to single-cell proteomics, will be instrumental to explore and quantify muscle cell heterogeneity.
Evaluation of single domain antibodies as nuclear tracers for imaging of the immune checkpoint receptor human lymphocyte activation gene-3 in cancer
Authors: Lecocq Q. , Debie P. , Puttemans J. , Awad R. M. , De Beck L. , Ertveldt T. , De Vlaeminck Y. , Goyvaerts C. , Raes G. , Keyaerts M. , Breckpot K. , Devoogdt N.
Published: November 2021

Recent advancements in the field of immune-oncology have led to a significant increase in life expectancy of patients with diverse forms of cancer, such as hematologic malignancies, melanoma and lung cancer. Unfortunately, these encouraging results are not observed in the majority of patients, who remain unresponsive and/or encounter adverse events. Currently, researchers are collecting more insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie these variable responses. As an example, the human lymphocyte activation gene-3 (huLAG-3), an inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor, is increasingly studied as a therapeutic target in immune-oncology. Noninvasive molecular imaging of the immune checkpoint programmed death protein-1 (PD-1) or its ligand PD-L1 has shown its value as a strategy to guide and monitor PD-1/PD-L1-targeted immune checkpoint therapy. Yet, radiotracers that allow dynamic, whole body imaging of huLAG-3 expression are not yet described. We here developed single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) that bind huLAG-3 and showed that these sdAbs can image huLAG-3 in tumors, therefore representing promising tools for further development into clinically applicable radiotracers.
Role of FoxO transcription factors in aging and age-related metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Du Shuqi , Zheng Hui
Published: November 2021

Aging happens to all of us as we live. Thanks to the improved living standard and discovery of life-saving medicines, our life expectancy has increased substantially across the world in the past century. However, the rise in lifespan leads to unprecedented increases in both the number and the percentage of individuals 65 years and older, accompanied by the increased incidences of age-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease. FoxO transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved molecules that play critical roles in diverse biological processes, in particular aging and metabolism. Their dysfunction is often found in the pathogenesis of many age-related diseases. Here, we summarize the signaling pathways and cellular functions of FoxO proteins. We also review the complex role of FoxO in aging and age-related diseases, with focus on type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease and discuss the possibility of FoxO as a molecular link between aging and disease risks.
Using median survival in meta-analysis of experimental time-to-event data
Authors: Hirst Theodore C. , Sena Emily S. , Macleod Malcolm R.
Published: November 2021

Background

Time-to-event data is frequently reported in both clinical and preclinical research spheres. Systematic review and meta-analysis is a tool that can help to identify pitfalls in preclinical research conduct and reporting that can help to improve translational efficacy. However, pooling of studies using hazard ratios (HRs) is cumbersome especially in preclinical meta-analyses including large numbers of small studies. Median survival is a much simpler metric although because of some limitations, which may not apply to preclinical data, it is generally not used in survival meta-analysis. We aimed to appraise its performance when compared with hazard ratio-based meta-analysis when pooling large numbers of small, imprecise studies.

Methods

We simulated a survival dataset with features representative of a typical preclinical survival meta-analysis, including with influence of a treatment and a number of covariates. We calculated individual patient data-based hazard ratios and median survival ratios (MSRs), comparing the summary statistics directly and their performance at random-effects meta-analysis. Finally, we compared their sensitivity to detect associations between treatment and influential covariates at meta-regression.

Results

There was an imperfect correlation between MSR and HR, although the opposing direction of treatment effects between summary statistics appeared not to be a major issue. Precision was more conservative for HR than MSR, meaning that estimates of heterogeneity were lower. There was a slight sensitivity advantage for MSR at meta-analysis and meta-regression, although power was low in all circumstances.

Conclusions

We believe we have validated MSR as a summary statistic for use in a meta-analysis of small, imprecise experimental survival studies—helping to increase confidence and efficiency in future reviews in this area. While assessment of study precision and therefore weighting is less reliable, MSR appears to perform favourably during meta-analysis. Sensitivity of meta-regression was low for this set of parameters, so pooling of treatments to increase sample size may be required to ensure confidence in preclinical survival meta-regressions.
The governance of energy transition: lessons from the Nigerian electricity sector
Authors: Edomah Norbert
Published: November 2021

Background

The rising need for transition towards more sustainable energy sources requires a rethink in the governance of energy systems. Arguably, policy makers have very important roles in governing transitions in any given society through established institutional frameworks. It has also been argued that energy infrastructure choices are determined by institutional dynamics and structures. However, what are the underlying influences required to change energy systems and what lessons can we draw from them for the governance of energy transition? This study focuses on understanding the dynamics of energy transition governance in the Nigerian electricity sector with the aim of drawing lessons that impact on energy transition and energy systems change.

Methods

Using explorative research tools, this study investigates the dynamics of energy transition governance in the Nigerian electricity sector with the aim of drawing lessons that impact on energy transition and energy systems change. Data from primary and secondary sources in documentary archives as well as other published sources that are linked with the provision of the Nigerian historical energy infrastructure were used for the analysis in order to draw lessons on energy transition dynamics in Nigeria.

Results

The study revealed that there were three important factors that had a direct impact on energy transition and energy systems change in Nigeria’s electricity sector. These are: (1) Changing perceptions and goals (during the period leading up to Nigeria’s independence, 1890–1960s); (2) Direct government interventions in energy infrastructure provisions (1940s–1970s); and (3) Major changes in market rules (from 2005 and beyond).

Conclusions

The study concludes by highlighting that: (1) there is a need for government institutions to tackle energy access issues that address the needs of the poor; (2) it is imperative to explore technological options that are more sustainable; and (3) there is a need to address energy consumption patterns that are more energy intensive. Indeed, available energy resources, technological changes in electricity supply systems, and the ‘geographies of energy’ are major factors that influence energy production and consumption dynamics. All of them needs should be considered, as energy decisions are primarily political choices.
Measles outbreak amidst COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: grappling with looming crises
Authors: Aborode Abdullahi Tunde , Babatunde Abdulhammed Opeyemi , Osayomwanbor Bright-Agbonze Samuel , Fajemisin Emmanuel Adebowale , Inya Oko Christian , Olajiga Olayinka , Uwandu-Uzoma Anthony Chinonso
Published: November 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and measles are major threats to the health and wellbeing of Africans. Measles is an endemic disease in Africa with a high mortality rate especially in children despite available vaccines. This letter aims to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prevention and management of measles in Africa. The emergence of COVID-19 has exacerbated the morbidities of measles due to multi-factors like the disruption of mass measles routine vaccination, a monopolistic focus on COVID-19 eradication, malnutrition, and poor surveillance. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic and looming measles epidemic pose a double burden on the African health sector. We recommend urgent interventions from government and other stakeholders including community leaders to strengthen measles research and vaccination programs in Africa amidst the pandemic.
Quasiparticle band structures and optical properties of twisted bilayer MoS2
Authors: He Fuli , Li Jia , Li Linyang , Mao Xiujuan , Liu Ze , Teng Sukai , Wang Jiaxi , Wang Yafan
Published: November 2021

A twist angle between two adjacent layers is a key approach to adjust the electronic characteristics of the van der Waals bilayer. The main goal of this study is to accurately predict the quasiparticle band structures and optical properties of bilayer MoS2 with different twist angles

, 13.17°, 21.79°, 32.10°, and 60°) by using many-body perturbation G
0
W
0 theory and by solving the Bethe-Salpeter equation including excitonic effects on top of the partially G
0
W
0 calculation when spin-orbit coupling is included. Results of band structures and optical absorption spectrum show that the band gap and optical gap are sensitive to twist angle. Moreover, the twist angles and spin-orbit coupling can manipulate exciton binding energy. Our results also show that spin-orbit coupling and interlayer coupling (predominantly) induced spin splitting as large as 270 meV at the valence band of K point. This argument implies that twisted bilayer MoS2 is a powerful system for tuning the photoluminescence emission.
A reconfigurable band-stop filter using piezoelectric-piezomagnetic superlattices with an external DC electric field
Authors: Tang Zheng-Hua , Jiang Zheng-Sheng , Lei Da-Jun , Huang Jian-Quan , Deng Hai-Ming , Kong Chao , Chen Ya-Qi , Jiang Chun-Zhi , Yao Min
Published: November 2021

A novel reconfigurable band-stop filter using piezomagnetic-piezoelectric superlattices with the external direct-current (DC) electric field (PPSED) is presented. The center frequency of the forbidden band is reduced from

to

Hz in the band-stop filter as the thickness ratio

of the piezoelectric domain to the piezomagnetic domain increases from

to 9. The change of the forbidden bandwidth and the center frequency shows that the band-stop filter constructed by the PPSED is reconfigurable. The coupled polaritonic band structure is asymmetric with respect to the forward and backward directions and the forbidden bandwidth can be tuned by the DC electric field via the electro-optic effect. Unlike pure piezoelectric superlattices with the DC electric field, the forbidden bandwidth decreases with the increase of the electric field in the PPSED. The bandwidth tunability by the DC electric field can provide a guidance for the reconfigurable band-stop filter design to work in broadband frequencies.
Diffuse flux of PeV neutrinos from centrifugally accelerated protons in active galactic nuclei
Authors: Dey Rajat K. , Basak Animesh , Ray Sabyasachi
Published: November 2021

Evidence for high-energy astrophysical PeV neutrinos has been found in the IceCube experiment from an analysis with 7.5-year (2010–2017) data. Active galactic nuclei (AGN) are among the most prominent objects in the universe, and are widely speculated to be emitters of ultra-high-energy (UHE) cosmic rays with proton domination. Based on the standard two-step LLCD mechanism of particle acceleration, a transformation of energy occurs from AGN's central super-massive black hole (SMBH) rotation to high-energy protons. Protons can be accelerated up to

energies and above, and might generate PeV neutrinos in the energy range

through plausible hadronic interactions. The theoretically estimated revised extragalactic diffuse muon neutrino flux employing the “luminosity-dependent density evolution (LDDE)” model for the AGN luminosity function (LF) is found consistent with the IceCube level if only a fraction,

of the total bolometric luminosity (BL) of AGN is being realizable to power the PeV neutrinos. In the Λ CDM cosmological framework with the LDDE-modeled LF and photon index distribution, about

of the total BL is enough to power the IceCube neutrinos.
Transient vs Permanent Congenital Hypothyroidism in Ontario, Canada: Predictive Factors and Scoring System
Authors: Marr Alexa , Yokubynas Nicole , Tang Ken , Saleh David , Wherrett Diane K , Stein Robert , Bassilious Ereny , Chakraborty Pranesh , Lawrence Sarah E
Published: November 2021

Context

The apparent increased incidence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is partly due to increased detection of transient disease.

Objective

This work aims to identify predictors of transient CH (T-CH) and establish a predictive tool for its earlier differentiation from permanent CH (P-CH).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients diagnosed with CH from 2006 to 2015 through Newborn Screening Ontario (NSO).

Results

Of 469 cases, 360 (76.8%) were diagnosed with P-CH vs 109 (23.2%) with T-CH. Doses of levothyroxine predicting T-CH were less than 3.9 μg/kg at age 6 months, less than 3.0 μg/kg at ages 1 and 2 years, and less than 2.5 μg/kg at age 3 years. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic modeling demonstrated several diverging key measures between patients with T-CH vs P-CH, with optimal stratification at age 1 year. Thyroid imaging was the strongest predictor (P < .001). Excluding imaging, significant predictors in the first year of life included thyroxine dose/kg (P < .001-.002), increase in thyrotropin (TSH) above the reference interval during treatment (P = .002), screening TSH (P = .03), and a history of maternal thyroid disease (P = .02). Based on the 1-year model without imaging, a risk score was developed to identify children with T-CH who may benefit from an earlier trial off therapy, to reduce excess medicalization and health care costs.

Conclusion

A levothyroxine dose of less than 3 μg/kg at ages 1 and 2 years and less than 2.5 μg/kg at age 3 years can be predictive of T-CH. A novel risk score was developed that can be clinically applied to predict the likelihood of a successful trial off therapy for a given patient at age 1 year.
Seeing through Someone Else's “I”
Authors: Sutton Danielle
Published: November 2021

The author interrogates creative-critical writing assignments from an introductory literature course (ENG 125: Literary Narrative) for concerns about “truth,” arguing that writing and reflection, especially when informed by a theoretical vocabulary, alter the way students construct and understand both their own stories and the stories of others.
Teaching Queer Theory beyond the Western Classroom
Authors: Friedman Dustin
Published: November 2021

This article develops a theory of postcolonial queer pedagogy through reflections on teaching nineteenth-century literature at the National University of Singapore. Students draw on their experiences living in a culture torn between liberal and illiberal tendencies and recognize that such contradictions exist in both the Western and non-Western world.
Gender, Genre, and the Idea of the Nation
Authors: Bhattacharya Saradindu
Published: November 2021

This article examines the construction of and contestation over the idea of the nation through contemporary popular cinema in India. Building on his experience of discussing the Bollywood spy thriller Raazi (2018) in an English class, the author proposes that “reading” the film in terms of gender and genre can not only help students apply modes of textual analysis to narratives in other media but also alert them to the location of such narratives within larger discursive frameworks of defining national identities. Raazi presents a critical and ideological counterpoint to the generic conventions of the spy thriller within the increasingly polarized sociopolitical context of the Indian subcontinent. The film presents an unlikely female protagonist as both the physical agent and the psychological subject of the violence integral to the “action” of an espionage film. It also interrogates the oppositional relation between the patriotic “self” and the foreign “other” that lies at the basis of the militaristic conception of the nation and ultimately reveals the shared human vulnerability of both to the traumatic effects of pursuing the idea(l) of nationalism at the expense of individual moral integrity. Thus a close reading of the film's narrative structure and conventions, as well as a critical engagement with the historical context of its production and reception, can be pedagogically fruitful ways of understanding and critiquing the processes through which a nation is collectively imagined into being.
Injection site sarcomas in other species than the domestic cat
Authors: STANS J
Published: November 2021

Injection site sarcomas (ISS) are tumours of tissues of mesenchymal origin that occur at an injection site. These tumours have been mainly described in cats as Feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS), but suspected cases have also been described in other species such as dogs. In other species than the domestic cat, these tumours are however much rarer. As a result, the body of literature is limited. This review aims to summarize the knowledge regarding ISS in species other than the domestic cat. In general, it seems that ISS can occur in a wide range of animals and that similar treatment strategies are employed as in cats. Like in cats, it seems that the benefit of the reasons for injection (such as vaccination and microchip implantation) could outweigh the risk of ISS development in other species.
Replacement of Beef Fat in Meatball with Oleogels (Black Cumin Seed Oil/Sunflower Oil)
Authors: PALAMUTOĞLU R
Published: November 2021

Meat products contain fatty acids, especially saturated fatty acids, which cause adverse health effects. The effect of fats on meat products isnot only concerned with health, but also about the product’s sensorial or textural properties. The research aimed to develop a new, healthier meatball formula in which the fat is substituted by oleogel gelled by carnauba wax and made with sunflower oil and black seed oil mixture. The effect of substituting animal fat with oleogel on color values, cooking parameters, lipid oxidation, and the textural properties of meatballs were determined. The effect of oleogel type on the TBA values of 50 and 75% substituted samples was statistically significant (p < 0. 05), and TBA values of the samples with oleogel substituted were higher than others at the end of the storage. The effect of substitution rates on the texture profile of meatball samples was found to be statistically significant (p <0. 05). The oleogel (25%) added group scored significantly (p < 0. 05)higher than the control group in appearance, flavor, texture, juiciness, oiliness, and overall acceptability, and was not found difference between the treatment groups.
Complicated corneal ulceration in cats: diagnosis and treatment outcomes of 80 cases (2014-2018)
Authors: ALI KM , MOSTAFA AA , SOLIMAN S
Published: November 2021

The study describes the most common clinical and endoscopic findings associated with complicated corneal ulcers in cats and evaluates the short-term outcomes after surgical interventions. Eighty client-owned cats of different breeds with corneal ulcers were included. Cats were clinically evaluated to initially determine corneal abnormalities. Endoscopic examination of the corneas was performed to determine anterior and posterior segments’ abnormalities. Non-healing superficial ulcer was treated by superficial keratectomy and deep stromal ulcers were treated using conjunctival flaps. Corneal sequestrum were treated by partial keratectomies and conjunctival flaps. Anterior synechiae were treated via peripheral iridectomy and separation of the adhesion between the iris and the inner cornea. Symblepharon were treated by removal of the adhered conjunctival membrane from the cornea. Unresponsive endophthalmitis was treated surgically by exenteration. Outcomes after surgical managements of selected corneal abnormalities were assessed clinically and endoscopically. Non-healing superficial ulcer, deep stromal ulcer with descemetocele, endophthalmitis, symblepharon, corneal sequestration and anterior synechiae with secondary glaucoma and corneal scarring were the recorded complications of corneal ulcer. FHV-1 was a common etiologic factor of corneal ulceration. Persistent corneal scars of varying shape and size developed in cats with deep stromal ulcer, anterior synechiae, and corneal sequestration. Domestic shorthaired and Persian cats were the most predisposed breeds to FHV-1 infection and subsequent corneal ulceration. Management of patients with corneal ulcer would prevent serious complications. No age or sex predisposition to complicated corneal ulceration in cats was noticed.
A New Outbreak in Sea Bass Farming in Turkey: Aeromonas veronii
Authors: TANSEL TANRIKUL T , DINÇTÜRK E
Published: November 2021

Turkey produces most of the European sea bassin Europe and bacterial diseases are the main cause of economic loss during the production cycle. This research presents the first extended study of the Aeromonas veronii infection in sea bass on the Turkish coast of the Aegean Sea. An outbreak was observed in three different sea bass farms and diseased fish with clinical symptoms were sampled. Abdominal distention, hemorrhages on the body and anus, enlarged spleen and liver, and hemorrhages in the internal organs were detected from clinical and pathological examinations. Biochemical and molecular identification confirmed the pathogen to be A.veronii.The histopathological observations demonstrated that the pathogen caused bacterial colonies in the fibrous connective tissue, granuloma, and vacuolar degeneration.The primary causes of the disease were proved through an infection experiment. 80% and 90% mortality were calculated in 0.85 x 108 CFU ml-1 and 1.28 x 108 CFU ml-1 experimentally infected groups with clinical and pathological signs of the disease respectively. Recently, the pathological symptoms of the disease had been confused with pasteurellosis infection in cage farms but the presence of A.veronii has been confirmed in the current study. A detailed study is needed to investigate the overall status of the disease in the Aegean Sea in order to design an appropriate preventive strategy.
Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Salmonella Dublin presence in Algerian dairy farms
Authors: HEZIL D , BENAMROUCHE N , TENNAH S , BENSEGHIR H , ZAATOUT N , ZAIDI S , ZINEDDINE R , BOUTABBA DT , BELKADER C , CHADI H , BERNARD C , GHALMI F
Published: November 2021

Salmonella Dublin is a causative agent of a gastrointestinal bacterial infection prevalent in many cattle herds worldwide. Hence, the goal of this research was to evaluate the prevalence of Salmonella Dublin carriage in fecal and milk samples from dairy cattle from Algeria, and to investigate potential risk factors associated with the presence of S. Dublin antibodies. A total of 307 cows from 39 farms were analyzed in this study. Bacteriological and immunological methods were used to isolate and detect S. Dublin antibodies in feces and cow’s milk. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method. Logistic regression was used to study risk factors associated with S. Dublin antibodies. The bacteriological results showed the absence of S. Dublin and a prevalence of 0.97 % (3/307) (IC 95% 0 - 2.08)for S. Mbandaka. The immunological analysis of milk by the ELISA technique showed a prevalence of 36.33% (95% CI 30.44 - 42.22) for S. Dublin. Final multivariate regression models showed that the breed, the region and introduction of purchased cattle were associated with the presence of S. Dublin antibodies. This study is the first that reports the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with S. Dublin infection in Algeria and could be considered as a comparison point for further studies in Algeria.
Anticoccidial potential of Ageratum conyzoides and its effect on Blood parameters of experimentally infected Broiler Chickens
Authors: HUSSAIN K , ABBAS RZ , ABBAS A , SAMIULLAH K , AHMED T , SIDDIQUE F , MOHSIN M , REHMAN A , RAHMAN A.UL , WAQAS MU
Published: November 2021

Coccidiosis is an infectious parasitic disease of poultry which causes heavy economic losses to commercial poultry industry. Coccidiosis has been generally controlled by using different synthetic anticoccidial drugs but, due to development of resistance to these drugs this method is losing its effectiveness. Exploration of novel and alternative compounds against avian coccidiosis is need of time now a days. In this regard, medicinal plants can serve as substitute to these synthetic anticoccidials. Thus, to find out alternative novel agents, current research was designed to evaluate the anticoccidial potential of Ageratum conyzoides extract (ACE). For in vivo experiment, 105 broiler chicks were purchased and further divided into 7 sub-groups (15 birds in each group). At 7th day of experiment, Groups A, B and C were fed with plant extract at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg respectively. Group D was supplemented with Vitamin-E while, Group E and F remained as infected medicated and infected un-medicated control groups and served with standard medicine (Baycox®) and Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS) respectively. Moreover, Group G served as normal control group. At day 14th of experiment, all groups except rom Group G were orally infected with 60,000 sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria species. Anticoccidial potential of ACE was evaluated on the basis of lesion scores, fecal scores, oocyst scores and feed conversion ratio. Furthermore, the effect of ACE on the serum chemistry was also evaluated to check toxicity of plant extract if any. The results were compared with standard medicine (Baycox®). On the basis of results, ACE showed anticoccidial activity by reducing fecal, lesion and oocyst scores in infected chicks (P<0.05). ACE also improved FCR of infected chicks. Moreover, ACE exhibited positive effects on serum chemistry of broiler chickens (P<0.05).
Differences in antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. isolated from humans, animals and food products in Kazakhstan
Authors: RYCHSHANOVA R , RUZAUSKAS M , CHUZHEBAYEVA G , MOCKELIUNAS R , MAMIYEV N , VIRGAILIS M , SHEVCHENKO P , SIUGZDINIENE R , ANSKIENE L , MENDYBAYEVA A
Published: November 2021

The aims of this study were twofold: 1. to isolate Salmonella spp. from different sources in Kazakhstan, to determine their serovars and resistance profiles and 2. to evaluate similarities in antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella spp. isolated from humans, animals and food products. From the10 212 samples tested Salmonella spp. Were isolated in 47 cases. The predominant serovar isolated from humans and food products was S. Enteritidis. Although different animal species were tested the Salmonella spp. were isolated mainly from chickens and ducks. S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium were the most prevalent serovars in raw poultry meat. The most frequent resistances were those to nalidixic acid, ampicillin and tetracycline. Human isolates demonstrated lower resistance compared to animal and food isolates. The genes encoding antimicrobial resistance in human isolates in most cases were absent except for some isolates which harboured tet, sul, stre and bla TEM genes encoding resistance to the oldest antimicrobial classes. The situation in animals and food products was less beneficial as besides different genes, integrons associated with the horizontal gene transfer were detected. The findings suggest that antimicrobials in animal sector should be used more strictly, paying attention to critically important antimicrobials for humans and possible horizontal transfer of pathogens and their genetic determinants.
Assessment for the passage of tylosin into the milk of Anatolian buffaloes
Authors: ACAROZ U , KUCUKKURT I , INCE S , ARSLAN-ACAROZ D , GURLER Z , ERYAVUZ A
Published: November 2021

Tylosin is a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic commonly employed in veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections. The present study assessed the milk-passage patterns of tylosin up to the 16th milking after a single intramuscular injection at the dose of 10 mg/kg/b.w. to Anatolian buffaloes. The residue levels of tylosin in milk samples of each animal were analysed by LC-MS/MS. The detection and determination limits of the employed method were 0.19 μg/kg and 0.64 μg/kg, respectively. The highest level of tylosin was found to be at the second milking. At the ninth milking, tylosin residue level decreased under the maximum residue limit of 50 μg/kg. Additionally, the employed LC-MS/MS method is used to assess tylosin residue in 40 milk samples and all of the samples were found to be tylosin free. In conclusion, this study determined the milk passaged levels of tylosin into milk of Anatolian buffaloes using an LC-MS/MS method.