bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Développement d’une échelle de mesure du sentiment d’efficacité personnelle de l’apprenti·e en entreprise et en formation professionnelle en Martinique
Authors: Lecefel Pierre , Ramassamy Cédric , Troadec Bertrand
Published: September 2020

Le présent article s’inscrit dans la lignée des recherches sur le sentiment d’efficacité personnelle (Bandura, 2007). Il rend compte d’une étude ayant pour objectif la construction et la validation d’une nouvelle échelle de mesure du sentiment d’efficacité personnelle de l’apprenti·e en formation professionnelle par alternance en Martinique. La fidélité et la validité de cette échelle ont été vérifiées auprès d’un échantillon de 110 apprenti·e·s du Centre de formation d’apprentis de l’Université Régionale des Métiers et de l’Artisanat de Rivière-Salée, en Martinique. Les résultats révèlent que l’échelle possède une cohérence interne acceptable, et une analyse factorielle exploratoire met en exergue quatre facteurs conformes au cadre conceptuel postulé (alpha = 0,90). La construction de l’échelle du sentiment d’efficacité personnelle de l’apprenti·e comprend sept étapes issues des travaux de DeVellis (2003), soit la détermination de l’objet de mesure, l’élaboration des items, le choix d’une modalité de réponse, la validation des énoncés par un collège d’expert·e·s, le test, l’étude quantitative de la fiabilité du questionnaire et, enfin, l’étude quantitative de sa validité.
Fêtes sonores : les 40 ans de Productions SuperMusique entendus par…
Authors: Côté Michel F , Derome Jean , Hétu Joane , Palardy Roger Danielle , Thomson Scott
Published: September 2020

La saison artistique 2020-2021 marque le 40e anniversaire de Productions SuperMusique, organisme au coeur de la musique actuelle à Montréal. 25 ans après le dossier « Définir la musique actuelle ? », paru dans Circuit en 1995, quatre des mêmes piliers de la musique actuelle – Michel F Côté, Jean Derome, Joane Hétu et Danielle Palardy Roger, encore très actifs aujourd’hui – reprennent ici la plume pour témoigner d’où ils en sont maintenant. À ces quatre voix s’ajoute celle de Scott Thomson, musicien anglophone de la nouvelle génération qui amène une perspective à la fois intérieure et extérieure sur l’évolution de SuperMusique. Cette collection de cinq textes constitue, ainsi, une source d’informations de première main sur l’un des phares de la scène montréalaise des musiques improvisées.
Fragilité suicidaire des jeunes délinquants. Analyse interprétative phénoménologique de l’expérience en mise sous garde
Authors: St-Pierre Laurie , Laurier Catherine
Published: September 2020

Au Québec, environ 430 jeunes par année reçoivent une peine comportant une mise sous garde en centre de réadaptation sous la Loi sur le système de justice pénale pour les adolescents. Bien qu’elle soit une mesure visant la sécurité du jeune contrevenant et celle de la société, elle est décrite dans la littérature comme étant un facteur de risque du suicide. Malheureusement, les raisons qui font de la mise sous garde une expérience difficile pour les adolescents contrevenants restent inexplorées. La présente recherche est de nature qualitative et s’inscrit dans une approche phénoménologique. L’objectif est d’explorer les représentations personnelles des jeunes contrevenants, leurs expériences rapportées, perceptions et émotions concernant le temps passé en mise sous garde. La parole est donnée à dix jeunes contrevenants, à l’aide d’entretiens semi-structurés. Les résultats de l’analyse interprétative phénoménologique soulèvent que la majorité des participants vit une expérience négative en centre de réadaptation, rapportant avoir vécu des émotions difficiles. C’est surtout le fait de vivre avec des éducateurs, de vivre avec d’autres jeunes, de devoir se soumettre à des règles strictes et d’être coupé du monde qui crée de la détresse chez les jeunes. Les implications pour la recherche et l’intervention sont discutées.
Long ascending propriospinal neurons provide flexible, context-specific control of interlimb coordination
Authors: Pocratsky Amanda M , Shepard Courtney T , Morehouse Johnny R , Burke Darlene A , Riegler Amberley S , Hardin Josiah T , Beare Jason E , Hainline Casey , States Gregory JR , Brown Brandon L , Whittemore Scott R , Magnuson David SK
Published: September 2020

Within the cervical and lumbar spinal enlargements, central pattern generator (CPG) circuitry produces the rhythmic output necessary for limb coordination during locomotion. Long propriospinal neurons that inter-connect these CPGs are thought to secure hindlimb-forelimb coordination, ensuring that diagonal limb pairs move synchronously while the ipsilateral limb pairs move out-of-phase during stepping. Here, we show that silencing long ascending propriospinal neurons (LAPNs) that inter-connect the lumbar and cervical CPGs disrupts left-right limb coupling of each limb pair in the adult rat during overground locomotion on a high-friction surface. These perturbations occurred independent of the locomotor rhythm, intralimb coordination, and speed-dependent (or any other) principal features of locomotion. Strikingly, the functional consequences of silencing LAPNs are highly context-dependent; the phenotype was not expressed during swimming, treadmill stepping, exploratory locomotion, or walking on an uncoated, slick surface. These data reveal surprising flexibility and context-dependence in the control of interlimb coordination during locomotion.
CB1-receptor-mediated inhibitory LTD triggers presynaptic remodeling via protein synthesis and ubiquitination
Authors: Monday Hannah R , Bourdenx Mathieu , Jordan Bryen A , Castillo Pablo E
Published: September 2020

Long-lasting forms of postsynaptic plasticity commonly involve protein synthesis-dependent structural changes of dendritic spines. However, the relationship between protein synthesis and presynaptic structural plasticity remains unclear. Here, we investigated structural changes in cannabinoid-receptor 1 (CB1)-mediated long-term depression of inhibitory transmission (iLTD), a form of presynaptic plasticity that involves a protein-synthesis-dependent long-lasting reduction in GABA release. We found that CB1-iLTD in acute rat hippocampal slices was associated with protein synthesis-dependent presynaptic structural changes. Using proteomics, we determined that CB1activation in hippocampal neurons resulted in increased ribosomal proteins and initiation factors, but decreased levels of proteins involved in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, such as ARPC2 and WASF1/WAVE1, and presynaptic release. Moreover, while CB1-iLTD increased ubiquitin/proteasome activity, ubiquitination but not proteasomal degradation was critical for structural and functional presynaptic CB1-iLTD. Thus, CB1-iLTD relies on both protein synthesis and ubiquitination to elicit structural changes that underlie long-term reduction of GABA release.
Nonlinearities between inhibition and T-type calcium channel activity bidirectionally regulate thalamic oscillations
Authors: Lu Adam C , Lee Christine Kyuyoung , Kleiman-Weiner Max , Truong Brian , Wang Megan , Huguenard John R , Beenhakker Mark P
Published: September 2020

Absence seizures result from 3 to 5 Hz generalized thalamocortical oscillations that depend on highly regulated inhibitory neurotransmission in the thalamus. Efficient reuptake of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA is essential, and reuptake failure worsens human seizures. Here, we show that blocking GABA transporters (GATs) in acute rat brain slices containing key parts of the thalamocortical seizure network modulates epileptiform activity. As expected, we found that blocking either GAT1 or GAT3 prolonged oscillations. However, blocking both GATs unexpectedly suppressed oscillations. Integrating experimental observations into single-neuron and network-level computational models shows how a non-linear dependence of T-type calcium channel gating on GABAB receptor activity regulates network oscillations. Receptor activity that is either too brief or too protracted fails to sufficiently open T-type channels necessary for sustaining oscillations. Only within a narrow range does prolonging GABAB receptor activity promote channel opening and intensify oscillations. These results have implications for therapeutics that modulate inhibition kinetics.
Neurofascin and Kv7.3 are delivered to somatic and axon terminal surface membranes en route to the axon initial segment
Authors: Ghosh Aniket , Malavasi Elise LV , Sherman Diane L , Brophy Peter J
Published: September 2020

Ion channel complexes promote action potential initiation at the mammalian axon initial segment (AIS), and modulation of AIS size by recruitment or loss of proteins can influence neuron excitability. Although endocytosis contributes to AIS turnover, how membrane proteins traffic to this proximal axonal domain is incompletely understood. Neurofascin186 (Nfasc186) has an essential role in stabilising the AIS complex to the proximal axon, and the AIS channel protein Kv7.3 regulates neuron excitability. Therefore, we have studied how these proteins reach the AIS. Vesicles transport Nfasc186 to the soma and axon terminal where they fuse with the neuronal plasma membrane. Nfasc186 is highly mobile after insertion in the axonal membrane and diffuses bidirectionally until immobilised at the AIS through its interaction with AnkyrinG. Kv7.3 is similarly recruited to the AIS. This study reveals how key proteins are delivered to the AIS and thereby how they may contribute to its functional plasticity.
Assessment of postoperative health functioning after knee arthroplasty in relation to pain catastrophizing: a 6-month follow-up cohort study
Authors: Terradas-Monllor Marc , Ochandorena-Acha Mirari , Salinas-Chesa Julio , Ramírez Sergi , Beltran-Alacreu Hector
Published: September 2020

Background

Knee arthroplasty (KA) is a typically successful surgical procedure commonly performed to alleviate painin participants with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. Despite its beneficial effects, a significant proportion of individuals with KA continue experiencing persistent pain and functional limitations. The purpose of this study was to assess the postoperative outcomes after KA in relation to postoperative pain catastrophizing.

Methods

Participants were recruited at a domiciliary physiotherapy service, using a prospective, observational, hypothesis-generating cohort design. Participants were divided into two groups based on their Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) total score (50th percentile), which resulted in high and low PCS groups. The primary outcome measure was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). In addition, quality of life, walking speed, physical performance, range of motion, and pain were measured. Outcome measures were collected at baseline (1 week postoperatively) and at follow-up (1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively).

Results

A total of 60 participants (21 total KA and 39 unicompartmental KA) were recruited. Individuals with a higher degree of pain catastrophizing showed significantly higher WOMAC total scores at every follow-up, indicating poorer health functioning (p < 0.01). Similarly, the high PCS group showed higher WOMAC pain, stiffness and disability subscale scores (p < 0.05), poorer quality of life (p < 0.01), and poorer physical performance (p < 0.05) at every follow-up. In addition, the high PCS group achieved a slower walking speed at baseline and at 3 months follow-up (p < 0.05), and a higher degree of pain at rest, on walking and on knee flexion at every follow-up (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively) except for walking pain at 3 months follow-up. No significant differences were observed between groups in range of motion, except for active knee extension at the 6-month follow-up (p < 0.05). Effect size was large at 1 month follow-up in WOMAC total score (r = 0.578) and pain intensity during knee flexion (r = 0.529). Longitudinal analyses revealed different improvement trends during the rehabilitation process between groups, with a lack of significant improvements in the high PCS group between the 3- and 6-month follow-up in WOMAC total score, WOMAC pain, WOMAC disability, quality of life, physical performance, active knee extension and resting pain (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that participants with high postoperative pain catastrophizing might have poorer outcomes during the rehabilitation process after KA. Future work should seek to clarify if this relationship is causal.
Assessment of Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Load in Soils of Ebocha Gas Flaring Site in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Achieche O. I. , Njoku O. O. , Duru C. M. , Nwachukwu M. O.
Published: September 2020

The negative impact of gas flaring on the environment cannot be overemphasised. This study assessed the effect of gas flaring on the physicochemical properties and heavy metal contents in soils of Ebocha gas flaring site in Rivers State. It involved the assessment of various distances from gas flaring point to 200 meters away (50 m, 100 m, 150 m, and 200 m) which represents the extent of gas flared pollution on soils to determine the physicochemical properties and heavy metal load. The gas flaring significantly decreased soil organic carbon and calcium content when compared with non-gas flaring polluted soils. Soil acidity increased, soil exchangeable ions decreased. N, P and K were altered in gas flared soils when compared to the controls. There were detrimental effects on soils physicochemical properties. Heavy metals observed were Cd (Cadmium), Ni (Nickel), As (Arsenic), Cr (Chromium), while Pb (Lead) was not detected. The concentration of heavy metals in gas flared soils decreases down soil depth from 0-15 cm to 45-60 cm respectively. The gas flaring extremely caused the acidic nature of gas flared soils. Coefficient of variation (CV) in percentage shows significant increase in acidic nature of the gas flared soils when compared with the control soils.
Impact of Training Programmes of KVKs in Terms of Adoption of Technologies: A Gender Analysis
Authors: . Sulekha , Kumar Amit , Chandra Prakash , Gupta Dileep , Kumar Manoj , Nath Prem , Yadav Kamlesh Kumar
Published: September 2020

The present study was conducted to determine the impact of training programmes of KrishiVigyan Kendra’s (KVKs-Farm Science Centres) in terms of adoption of technologies as a result gender analysis. This study was undertaken with a view on 200 respondents selected by random sampling technique from four KVKs i.e. western (Bhiwani and Fatehabad) and eastern (Rohtak and Jhajjar) zones of Haryana in India. Out of total 29 areas in which both male and female respondents attended trainings, female participation was more in three areas of trainings i.e. value addition,  processing and cooking and cutting and tailoring whereas in rest all of the trainings male participation was more. In case of eastern zone KVKs, 35.0 and 23.0 per cent male and female respondents were partial followed by no adoption (12.0% male and 14.0% female) and full (12.0% and 4.0%) adoption of technologies. Pooled data revealed that 31.5 and 25.0 per cent male and female had partial followed by no (11.0% male and 13.5% female) and full adoption (15.5 % male and 3.5% female) of demonstrated technologies.
Malaria: Trend of Burden and Impact of Control Strategies
Authors: Nnamonu Emmanuel Ikechukwu , Ndukwe-Ani Pamela Amarachi , Imakwu Cyril Ali , Okenyi Clara Ifeoma , Ugwu Felix Joel , Aniekwe Maduabuchi Isaac , Odo Solomon Ikechukwu , Ezenwosu Samuel Uchechukwu
Published: September 2020

Since antiquity, malaria had plagued humans claiming millions of lives annually around the world. In addition to its health toll, billions of dollars are lost every year to the exorbitant cost of treatment, premature death, loss of opportunities, capital intensive public health and government interventions to curb the menace. This had intensified global malaria eradication efforts over the last few decades leading to the successful elimination of the disease from most developed countries drastically reducing global malaria mortality to hundreds of thousands yearly. Still, developing countries of the world especially those in tropical Africa remain the worst hit and children are the most vulnerable group generally accounting for > 50% of all malaria mortality. The world actually experienced a giant leap forward between 2000 and 2015 when global malaria mortality rate declined by a remarkable 25% and by a significant 69% in children less than five. Also, during this period a staggering 70% of malaria cases were averted due to strengthened malaria intervention. Some of this step forward was also attributed to increasing urbanization and overall economic development across the nation’s leading to improved housing and nutrition. However, years later, progress has been relatively slower and seemed to have stalled. Nonetheless, the impacts of control strategies have saved millions of lives universally. But to save more lives and eliminate malaria from highest risk countries like in tropical Africa, more efforts are required at both international and national capacity through the funding of research and malaria projects, effective surveillance and response, strengthened health system and mosquito vector control strategies, and development of new, improved antimalarial intervention tools like diagnostics, prophylactics, therapeutics and vaccines. Also, the role of human activity and lifestyle in the fight against malaria cannot be overemphasized.
Carrier‐Free Nanoassembly of Curcumin–Erlotinib Conjugate for Cancer Targeted Therapy
Authors: Cheng Chen , Sui Binglin , Wang Mingming , Hu Xiangxiang , Shi Shanshan , Xu Peisheng
Published: September 2020

Anticancer drug‐loaded nanoparticles have been explored extensively to decrease side effects while improving their therapeutic efficacy. However, due to the low drug loading content, premature drug release, nonstandardized carrier structure, and difficulty in predicting the fate of the carrier, only a few nanomedicines have been approved for clincial use. Herein, a carrier‐free nanoparticle based on the self‐assembly of the curcumin–erlotinib conjugate (EPC) is developed. The EPC nanoassembly exhibits more potent cell killing, better antimigration, and anti‐invasion effects for BxPC‐3 pancreatic cancer cells than the combination of free curcumin and erlotinib. Furthermore, benefiting from both passive and active tumor targeting effect, EPC nanoassembly can effectively accumulate in the tumor tissue in a xenograft pancreatic tumor mouse model. Consequently, EPC effectively reduces the growth of pancreatic tumors and extends the median survival time of the tumor‐bearing mice from 22 to 68 days. In addition, no systemic toxicity is detected in the mice receiving EPC treatment. Attributed to the uniformity of the curcumin–erlotinib conjugate and easiness of scaling up, it is expected that the EPC can be translated into a powerful tool in fighting against pancreatic cancer and other epidermal growth factor receptor positive cancers.
Evaluation of the frequency of third molar agenesis according to different age groups
Authors: Pamukcu Umut , Ispir Nebiha Gozde , Toraman Alkurt Meryem , Altunkaynak Bulent , Peker Ilkay
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Third molars (M3s) are the most common congenitally missing teeth. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of M3 agenesis in two different age groups.

Methods

This study examined the panoramic radiographic images of 1036 patients. Two groups, each consisting of 518 patients, were arranged based on age ranges. The patients aged 12 to 19 years were in the first group and those 20 years and older were in the second group. The frequency of M3 agenesis was examined in both age groups. The distribution of M3 agenesis by sex and jaw was also recorded, along with the number of M3s affected by agenesis. Chi‐square tests were used to examine the relationships between categorical variables.

Results

M3 agenesis was observed in 29.3% and 20.5% in the first and second groups, respectively; the difference was statistically significant (P < .01). It was more common in female (27.3%) than in male patients (21.4%), and in the maxilla (11.2%) than in the mandible (5.8%), and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). It was mostly observed forthemaxilla right M3 (18) (30.9%) and in the single quadrant of the jaws (9.7%).

Conclusions

The frequency of M3 agenesis was more common in patients aged 12 to 19 years than in those aged 20 years and older. Additionally, M3 agenesis was more common in females and in the maxilla.
Pattern‐driven color pattern recognition for printed fabric motif design
Authors: Zheng Dejun
Published: September 2020

Pattern‐driven design method is an important data‐driven design method for printed fabric motif design in textiles and clothing industry. We introduce a novel framework for automatic design of color patterns in real‐world fabric motif images. The novelty of our work is to formulate the recognition of an underlying color pattern element as a spatial, multi‐target tracking, classification, segmentation and similarity association process using a new and efficient color feature encoding method. The proposed design method is based on pattern‐driven color pattern recognition and indexing from the element image database. A series of color pattern recognition algorithms are used for color and pattern feature extraction. The local statistical corner features and Markov random field model are used for motif unit tiling detection and conversion. The color feature encoding problem is modeled in a gray‐scale color difference optimization problem, which can be solved quickly by existing algorithms. Color pattern feature matching, segmentation and indexing techniques are then used to locate and replace the elements in the motif unit image with similar elements in the database. Experiments show that the approach proposed in this study is effective for color pattern recognition and printed fabric motif design.
Sterically Encumbered 4,5‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)acenaphthene Ligand and Its Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II), and Cu(I) Complexes
Authors: Tosolini Massimo , Avó João , Parola António Jorge , Balducci Gabriele , Tecilla Paolo
Published: September 2020

A new sterically encumbered symmetrically substituted 4,5‐bis(diphenylphosphino)acenaphthene ligand (L) has been prepared. The ligand readily forms distorted square‐planar complexes with group 10 metal ions [Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II)] and a dimeric tetrahedral complex with Cu(I). The X‐ray structures of the ligand and of the complexes show a notably short distance between the two phosphorus atoms, well below than twice the van der Waals radius of P, due to the steric requirements of the rigid acenaphthene backbone. Moreover, in the complexes a stabilizing π–π interaction between two phenyl rings belonging to the two P atoms is present. The [LCuCl]2 complex is weakly fluorescent both in solution and in the solid state with higher quantum yield as a solid where it exhibits thermally‐activated delayed fluorescence and phosphorescence. [LPdCl2] and [LCuCl]2 behave as chloride transporters across a liposomal phospholipid membrane with the Pd(II) complex displaying a very high activity.
Laughter signature, a new approach to gender recognition
Authors: Folorunso Comfort O. , Popoola Oluwatoyin P. , Asaolu Olumuyiwa S.
Published: September 2020

Gender Recognition (GR) is the process of identifying gender difference by extracting and evaluating features from data existing as images, video, audio, text, and other signals. The task of GR has been achieved using face, keystroke, gait, and speech features. “Laughter” with its intrinsic usefulness for this task is yet to be explored. Laughter is an important paralinguistic feature in human communication. It can change the meaning of speech when triggered by some form of arousal or amusement. Although, laughter can be “acted,” but the human natural laughter is a spontaneous reflex response, which reasonably embeds some characteristic peculiarities of the individuals. The human brain has capacity to make this distinction. In this study, spontaneous laughter bouts of 123 volunteers (41 females and 82 males) were recorded. The Dynamic‐Average of the Mel frequency Cepstral Coefficient (DA‐MFCC) were generated and trained using two conventional and effective machine learning algorithms that have been employed in gender identification. These algorithms are Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers. Overall accuracies of 87.65% and 86.91% were obtained with GMM and SVM respectively. Therefore, indicating the possibility of using laughter characteristics as signatures for distinguishing between male and female genders. For both classifiers, the use of DA‐MFCC reasonably reduced training time. Some of the potential areas of applications of GR include security, health care, marketing, human machine interaction toward enhanced emotion recognition, automatic speaker recognition and forensics.
How parental socioeconomic status contribute to children's sports participation in China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Xia Mengfan , Hu Penghui , Zhou You
Published: September 2020

Socioeconomic status (SES) is an important factor contributing to health inequality. This study aimed to investigate factors that predict junior school students' sports participation, identify the mechanisms underlying transmission of social resources and assess the mediating effects of classmate support and parental involvement on the relationship between parental SES and children's sports participation. 4829 males and 4536 females (mean age = 13.56 years, standard deviation = 0.686 years) participated in the study. Multivariate regression was adopted to analyze the determinants of junior school students' sports participation and multiple mediation analyses were used to analyze the hypothesized model. The results indicated that parental SES is significantly and directly correlated with junior school students' sports participation. In addition, parental SES has a significant indirect effect on sports participation through classmate support and parental involvement. Furthermore, the mediation effect of classmate support on the association between parental SES and sports participation is stronger than that of parental involvement. To promote and facilitate the participation of junior school students', strategies should be developed by government and social workers to strengthen classmate support and parental involvement.
Targeted therapy strategies against SARS‐CoV‐2 cell entry mechanisms: A systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Seyedpour Simin , Khodaei Behzad , Loghman Amir H. , Seyedpour Nasrin , Kisomi Misagh F. , Balibegloo Maryam , Nezamabadi Sasan S. , Gholami Bahareh , Saghazadeh Amene , Rezaei Nima
Published: September 2020

Due to the rapidly spreading of novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) worldwide, there is an urgent need to develop efficient vaccines and specific antiviral treatments. Pathways of the viral entry into cells are interesting subjects for targeted therapy of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The present study aims to provide a systematic evaluation of the most recent in vitro and in vivo investigations targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 cell entry. A systematic search was carried out in major medical sources, including MEDLINE (through PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. Combinations of the following search terms were used: SARS‐CoV‐2, in vitro, in vivo, preclinical, targeted therapy, and cell entry. A modified version of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation assessment tools were applied for evaluating the risk of bias of in vitro and in vivo studies, respectively. A narrative synthesis was performed as a qualitative method for the data synthesis of each outcome measure. A total of 2,649 articles were identified through searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Biorxiv. Finally, 22 studies (one in vivo study and 21 in vitro studies) were included. The spike (S) glycoprotein of the SARS‐CoV‐2 was the main target of investigation in 19 studies. SARS‐CoV‐2 can enter into the host cells through endocytosis or independently. SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein utilizes angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 or CD147 as its cell‐surface receptor to attach host cells. It consists of S1 and S2 subunits. The S1 subunit mediates viral attachment to the host cells, while the S2 subunit facilitates virus‐host membrane fusion. The cleavage of the S1–S2 protein, which is required for the conformational changes of the S2 subunit and processing of viral fusion, is regulated by the host proteases, including cathepsin L (during endocytosis) and type II membrane serine protease (independently). Targeted therapy strategies against SARS‐CoV‐2 cell entry mechanisms fall into four main categories: strategies targeting virus receptors on the host, strategies neutralizing SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein, strategies targeting virus fusion to host cells, and strategies targeting endosomal and non‐endosomal dependent pathways of virus entry. Inhibition of the viral entry by targeting host or virus‐related components remains the most potent strategy to prevent and treat COVID‐19. Further high‐quality investigations are needed to assess the efficacy of the proposed targets and develop specific antivirals against SARS‐CoV‐2.
FTIR spectroscopy with chemometrics for determination of tylosin residues in milk
Authors: de Freitas Alexandre GM , de Magalhães Bárbara EA , Minho Lucas AC , Leão Danilo J , Santos Leandro S , Augusto de Albuquerque Fernandes Sérgio
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Contamination of milk by antibiotic residues represents risks to the health of consumers; therefore they should be monitored. The objective of this study was to propose a methodology for the determination of tylosin residues directly in fluid milk based on mid‐infrared spectroscopy associated with chemometrics, using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy associated with multilayer perceptron network (MLP) and partial least squares (PLS).

RESULTS

MLP was shown to be adequate for the discrimination of milk samples contaminated with tylosin below or equal to or above the maximum residue limit (MRL), with an accuracy greater than 99%, using FTIR spectra data. PLS was shown to be appropriate for the prediction of the very low concentrations (0–100 μg L−1) of tylosin residues in milk using FTIR spectra data. PLS models with high correlation coefficients (R > 0.99) were generated.

CONCLUSION

FTIR with chemometrics proved to be a non‐destructive, efficient and low‐cost method for the investigation and quantification of tylosin residues directly in fluid milk. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Cognition of the mothers of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Demirci Hasan , Durmus Hacer , Toksoy Guven , Uslu Atilla , Parman Yesim , Hanagasi Hasmet
Published: September 2020

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has been found to be associated with cognitive impairment. However, few studies have addressed cognitive impairment among mothers of children with DMD. In the present study, the neuropsychological profiles of both carrier mothers (C‐Ms) and noncarrier mothers (NC‐Ms) were examined, and the findings were compared with healthy control mothers (HC‐Ms). There were 90 participants, consisting of 31 C‐Ms, 24 NC‐Ms, and 35 HC‐Ms, each of whom completed a neuropsychological test battery. C‐Ms had poorer cognition performance in attention, working memory, immediate verbal memory, visuospatial skills, and executive functions than NC‐Ms, and HC‐Ms. This study provides evidence that there may be cognitive impairment in mothers of patients with DMD. The cognitive impairment of C‐Ms has similarities to that seen in children with DMD.
FDA approval summary: Dalteparin for the treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolism in pediatric patients
Authors: Merino Margret , Richardson Nicholas , Reaman Gregory , Ande Anusha , Zvada Simbarashe , Liu Chao , Hariharan Sudharshan , De Claro R. Angelo , Farrell Ann , Pazdur Richard
Published: September 2020

On May 16, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved dalteparin sodium for the treatment of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) to reduce the risk of recurrence in pediatric patients 1 month of age and older. Approval was primarily based on FDA review of a single‐arm trial evaluating dalteparin administered subcutaneous twice daily in 38 pediatric patients with symptomatic VTE. Efficacy was based on the achievement of therapeutic plasma anti‐Xa levels. The FDA concluded that dalteparin has efficacy and acceptable safety for pediatric patients.
Understanding of the influence of localized surface defectivity properties on the performances of silicon heterojunction cells
Authors: Giglia Valentin , Varache Renaud , Veirman Jordi , Fourmond Erwann
Published: September 2020

The industrial fabrication process of silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells can induce locally depassivated regions (so‐called defectivity) because of transportation steps (contact with belts, trays, etc.) or simply the environment (presence of particles at the wafer surfaces before thin film deposition). This surface passivation spatial heterogeneity is gaining interest as it may hinder the SHJ efficiency improvements allowed by incremental process step optimizations. In this paper, an experimentally supported simulation study is conducted to understand how the local a‐Si:H/c‐Si interface depassivation loss impacts the overall cell performance. The defectivity‐induced cell performance drop due to depassivated regions was attributed to a bias‐dependent minority carrier current flow towards the depassivated region, which is shown to affect all current–voltage (I(V)) parameters, and in particular the fill factor. Simulation was used further in order to understand how the defectivity properties (spatial distribution, localization and size) impact the induced performance losses. In the light of all results, we propose ways to mitigate the defectivity influence on the cell performances.
Recent Advances in Nanomaterial‐Enabled Wearable Sensors: Material Synthesis, Sensor Design, and Personal Health Monitoring
Authors: Peng Bo , Zhao Fengnian , Ping Jianfeng , Ying Yibin
Published: September 2020

Wearable sensors have gained much attention due to their potential in personal health monitoring in a timely, cost‐effective, easy‐operating, and noninvasive way. In recent studies, nanomaterials have been employed in wearable sensors to improve the sensing performance in view of their excellent properties. Here, focus is mainly on the nanomaterial‐enabled wearable sensors and their latest advances in personal health monitoring. Different kinds of nanomaterials used in wearable sensors, such as metal nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials, metallic nanomaterials, hybrid nanocomposites, and bio‐nanomaterials, are reviewed. Then, the progress of nanomaterial‐based wearable sensors in personal health monitoring, including the detection of ions and molecules in body fluids and exhaled breath, physiological signals, and emotion parameters, is discussed. Furthermore, the future challenges and opportunities of nanomaterial‐enabled wearable sensors are discussed.
miR-183/96/182 cluster is an important morphogenetic factor targeting PAX6 expression in differentiating human retinal organoids
Authors: Peskova Lucie , Jurcikova Denisa , Vanova Tereza , Krivanek Jan , Capandova Michaela , Sramkova Zuzana , Sebestikova Jana , Kolouskova Magdalena , Kotasova Hana , Streit Libor , Barta Tomas
Published: September 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, noncoding RNA molecules, represent important regulators of gene expression. Recent reports have implicated their role in the cell specification process acting as “fine-tuners” to ensure the precise gene expression at the specific stage of cell differentiation. Here, we used retinal organoids differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) as a model to closely investigate the role of a sensory organ-specific and evolutionary conserved miR-183/96/182 cluster. Using a miRNA tough decoy approach, we inhibited the miR-183/96/182 cluster in hPSCs. Inhibition of the miRNA cluster resulted in an increased expansion of neuroepithelium leading to abnormal “bulged” neural retina in organoids, associated with upregulation of neural-specific and retinal-specific genes. Importantly, we identified PAX6, a well-known essential gene in neuroectoderm specification, as a target of the miR-183/96/182 cluster members. Taken together, the miR-183/96/182 cluster not only represents an important regulator of PAX6 expression, but it also plays a crucial role in retinal tissue morphogenesis.
How Web Professionals Perceive Web Accessibility in Practice: Active Roles, Process Phases and Key Disabilities
Authors: Vollenwyder Beat , Opwis Klaus , Brühlmann Florian
Published: September 2020

Providing usable web information and services to as many people as possible confronts web professionals with a challenging task. The present study delivers insights about how Web accessibility is perceived in practice. Using a survey, a total of 163 web professionals in various roles reported their evaluation of Web accessibility implementation in their projects with regard to three aspects: the professional roles primarily responsible for Web accessibility, key phases in the development process, and the types of disabilities primarily considered. Results show that non-technical professional roles are perceived to be less involved in the development process, that Web accessibility considerations are mainly restricted to the design and implementation phases of projects, and that efforts focus predominantly on the needs of people with visual impairments.
Realization of the minimal extended seesaw mechanism and the TM2 type neutrino mixing
Authors: Krishnan R. , Mukherjee Ananya , Goswami Srubabati
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We construct a neutrino mass model based on the flavour symmetry group A4×C4×C6×C2 which accommodates a light sterile neutrino in the minimal extended seesaw (MES) scheme. Besides the flavour symmetry, we introduce a U(1) gauge symmetry in the sterile sector and also impose CP symmetry. The vacuum alignments of the scalar fields in the model spontaneously break these symmetries and lead to the construction of the fermion mass matrices. With the help of the MES formulas, we extract the light neutrino masses and the mixing observables. In the active neutrino sector, we obtain the TM2 mixing pattern with non-zero reactor angle and broken μ-τ reflection symmetry. We express all the active and the sterile oscillation observables in terms of only four real model parameters. Using this highly constrained scenario we predict $$ {\sin}^2{\theta}_{23}={0.545}_{-0.004}^{+0.003},\sin \delta =-{0.911}_{-0.005}^{+0.006},{\left|{U}_{e4}\right|}^2={0.029}_{-0.008}^{+0.009},{\left|{U}_{\mu 4}\right|}^2={0.010}_{-0.003}^{+0.003}\kern0.5em \mathrm{and}\kern0.5em {\left|{U}_{\tau 4}\right|}^2={0.006}_{-0.002}^{+0.002} $$

sin
2

θ
23

=

0.545

−
0.004

+
0.003

,
sin
δ
=
−

0.911

−
0.005

+
0.006

,

U

e
4

2

=

0.029

−
0.008

+
0.009

,

U

μ
4

2

=

0.010

−
0.003

+
0.003

and

U

τ
4

2

=

0.006

−
0.002

+
0.002

which are consistent with the current data.
Mass sum rules of the electron in quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Rodini S. , Metz A. , Pasquini B.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Different decompositions of the nucleon mass, in terms of the masses and energies of the underlying constituents, have been proposed in the literature. We explore the corresponding sum rules in quantum electrodynamics for an electron at one-loop order in perturbation theory. To this aim we compute the form factors of the energy-momentum tensor, by paying particular attention to the renormalization of ultraviolet divergences, operator mixing and scheme dependence. We clarify the expressions of all the proposed sum rules in the electron rest frame in terms of renormalized operators. Furthermore, we consider the same sum rules in a moving frame, where they become energy decompositions. Finally, we discuss some implications of our study on the mass sum rules for the nucleon.
Asymptotic Spectra of Large (Grid) Graphs with a Uniform Local Structure (Part I): Theory
Authors: Adriani Andrea , Bianchi Davide , Serra-Capizzano Stefano
Published: September 2020

We are mainly concerned with sequences of graphs having a grid geometry,
with a uniform local structure in a bounded domain $${\Omega} {\subset} \mathbb{R}^{d}, d \geq 1$$

Ω
⊂

R

d

,
d
≥
1

. When $$\Omega = [0, 1]$$

Ω
=
[
0
,
1
]

, such graphs include the standard Toeplitz graphs and, for $$\Omega = [0, 1]^{d}$$

Ω
=

[
0
,
1
]

d

,
the considered class includes d-level Toeplitz graphs. In the general case, the underlying
sequence of adjacency matrices has a canonical eigenvalue distribution, in
the Weyl sense, and we show that we can associate to it a symbol $$\mathfrak{f}$$
f
. The knowledge
of the symbol and of its basic analytical features provides many information on
the eigenvalue structure, of localization, spectral gap, clustering, and distribution
type.

Few generalizations are also considered in connection with the notion of generalized
locally Toeplitz sequences and applications are discussed, stemming e.g.
from the approximation of differential operators via numerical schemes. Nevertheless,
more applications can be taken into account, since the results presented
here can be applied as well to study the spectral properties of adjacency matrices
and Laplacian operators of general large graphs and networks.
Laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer
Authors: Völkel Vinzenz , Draeger Teresa , Gerken Michael , Klinkhammer-Schalke Monika , Benz Stefan , Fürst Alois
Published: September 2020

Background

To evaluate a new procedure in daily clinical practice, it might not be sufficient to rely exclusively on the findings of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). This is the first systematic review providing a synthesis of the most important RCTs and relevant retrospective cohort studies on short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in colon cancer patients.

Materials and methods

In a literature search, more than 1800 relevant publications on the topic were identified. Relevant RCTs and representative high-quality retrospective studies were selected based on the widely accepted Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) criteria. Finally, 9 RCTs and 14 retrospective cohort studies were included.

Results

Laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer is associated with a slightly longer duration of surgery, but a variety of studies show an association with a lower rate of postoperative complications and a shorter duration of hospital stay. Particularly in older patients with more frequent comorbidities, laparoscopy seems to contribute to decreasing postoperative mortality. Concerning long-term oncologic outcomes, the laparoscopic and open techniques were shown to be at least equivalent.

Conclusion

The findings of the existing relevant RCTs on laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer are mostly confirmed by representative retrospective cohort studies based on real-world data; therefore, its further implementation into clinical practice can be recommended.
Measures of infection prevention and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Authors: Matuschek Christiane , Fischer Johannes C. , Combs Stephanie E. , Fietkau Rainer , Corradini Stefanie , Zänker Kurt , Bölke Edwin , Djiepmo-Njanang Freddy-Joel , Tamaskovics Balint , Fischer Joachim E. , Stuschke Martin , Pöttgen Christoph , Förster Robert , Zwahlen Daniel R. , Papachristofilou Alexandros , Ganswindt Ute , Pelka Rainer , Schneider E. Marion , Feldt Torsten , Jensen Björn Erik Ole , Häussinger Dieter , Knoefel Wolfram Trudo , Kindgen-Milles Detlef , Pedoto Alessia , Grebe Olaf , van Griensven Martijn , Budach Wilfried , Haussmann Jan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

COVID-19 infection has manifested as a major threat to both patients and healthcare providers around the world. Radiation oncology institutions (ROI) deliver a major component of cancer treatment, with protocols that might span over several weeks, with the result of increasing susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and presenting with a more severe clinical course when compared with the general population. The aim of this manuscript is to investigate the impact of ROI protocols and performance on daily practice in the high-risk cancer patients during this pandemic.

Methods

We addressed the incidence of positive COVID-19 cases in both patients and health care workers (HCW), in addition to the protective measures adopted in ROIs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland using a specific questionnaire.

Results

The results of the questionnaire showed that a noteworthy number of ROIs were able to complete treatment in SARS-CoV‑2 positive cancer patients, with only a short interruption. The ROIs reported a significant decrease in patient volume that was not impacted by the circumambient disease incidence, the type of ROI or the occurrence of positive cases. Of the ROIs 16.5% also reported infected HCWs. About half of the ROIs (50.5%) adopted a screening program for patients whereas only 23.3% also screened their HCWs. The range of protective measures included the creation of working groups, instituting home office work and protection with face masks.

Regarding the therapeutic options offered, curative procedures were performed with either unchanged or moderately decreased schedules, whereas palliative or benign radiotherapy procedures were more often shortened. Most ROIs postponed or cancelled radiation treatment for benign indications (88.1%). The occurrence of SARS-CoV‑2 infections did not affect the treatment options for curative procedures. Non-university-based ROIs seemed to be more willing to change their treatment options for curative and palliative cases than university-based ROIs.

Conclusion

Most ROIs reported a deep impact of SARS-CoV‑2 infections on their work routine. Modification and prioritization of treatment regimens and the application of protective measures preserved a well-functioning radiation oncology service and patient care.
Extrakorporale Blutreinigungsverfahren in der Sepsis – Update
Authors: Seeliger B. , Stahl K. , David Sascha
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

Trotz fortwährender Entwicklungen bleibt die Mortalität in der Sepsis beträchtlich. Verschiedene Verfahren zur extrakorporalen Zytokinelimination wurden beschrieben, aber die Datenlage ist widersprüchlich.

Ziel der Arbeit

Diese Arbeit soll eine Übersicht über aktuelle extrakorporale Blutreinigungsverfahren und deren Studienlage geben.

Methoden

Nichtsystematischer Literaturreview

Ergebnisse

Aktuell gibt es verschiedene Blutreinigungsverfahren mit unterschiedlicher Evidenz bezüglich der Reduktion von proinflammatorischen Zytokinen, Katecholaminbedarf und Mortalität, darunter die sogenannte High-volume-Hämofiltration mit und ohne High-cut-off-Filter sowie spezielle Adsorber (unter anderem CytoSorb® [CytoSorbents Europe, Berlin, Deutschland] und Polymyxin B). An Bedeutung gewinnt aktuell auch wieder der therapeutische Plasmaaustausch. Bei einigen Verfahren mit initial vielversprechenden Ergebnissen – darunter die kombinierte Plasmafiltration und -adsorption – zeigten multizentrische randomisierte Studien jedoch sogar einen negativen Effekt.

Schlussfolgerung

Die theoretische Begründung ist naheliegend, obwohl die aktuelle Evidenz keine Empfehlung auf Leitlinienqualität erlaubt. Die Heterogenität der Immunantwort in der Sepsis erschwert die Durchführung multizentrischer randomisierter Studien, die initial positive Effekte bislang oft nicht bestätigen konnten. Neue Studien zu den Blutreinigungsverfahren benötigen daher eine klar definierte Subgruppe des septischen Schocks. Entsprechend sollten die Verfahren nicht als konkurrierend, sondern im Sinne einer individualisierten Therapie komplementär eingesetzt werden.