bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Testing in Breast Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists Guideline Update
Authors: Allison Kimberly H. , Hammond M. Elizabeth H. , Dowsett Mitchell , McKernin Shannon E. , Carey Lisa A. , Fitzgibbons Patrick L. , Hayes Daniel F. , Lakhani Sunil R. , Chavez-MacGregor Mariana , Perlmutter Jane , Perou Charles M. , Regan Meredith M. , Rimm David L. , Symmans W. Fraser , Torlakovic Emina E. , Varella Leticia , Viale Giuseppe , Weisberg Tracey F. , McShane Lisa M. , Wolff Antonio C.
Published: January 2020

Purpose.—

To update key recommendations of the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) testing in breast cancer guideline.

Methods.—

A multidisciplinary international Expert Panel was convened to update the clinical practice guideline recommendations informed by a systematic review of the medical literature.

Recommendations.—

The Expert Panel continues to recommend ER testing of invasive breast cancers by validated immunohistochemistry as the standard for predicting which patients may benefit from endocrine therapy, and no other assays are recommended for this purpose. Breast cancer samples with 1% to 100% of tumor nuclei positive should be interpreted as ER positive. However, the Expert Panel acknowledges that there are limited data on endocrine therapy benefit for cancers with 1% to 10% of cells staining ER positive. Samples with these results should be reported using a new reporting category, ER Low Positive, with a recommended comment. A sample is considered ER negative if < 1% or 0% of tumor cell nuclei are immunoreactive. Additional strategies recommended to promote optimal performance, interpretation, and reporting of cases with an initial low to no ER staining result include establishing a laboratory-specific standard operating procedure describing additional steps used by the laboratory to confirm/adjudicate results. The status of controls should be reported for cases with 0% to 10% staining. Similar principles apply to PgR testing, which is used primarily for prognostic purposes in the setting of an ER-positive cancer. Testing of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) for ER is recommended to determine potential benefit of endocrine therapies to reduce risk of future breast cancer, while testing DCIS for PgR is considered optional. Additional information can be found at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines.
The “path dependence effect” and its application for regional studies (case of Kaliningrad oblast)
Authors: Kuznetsova A. L. , Zverev Yu. M.
Published: January 2020

One of the main questions studying by the economic geography is the reasons for the heterogeneity of the distribution of economic processes in space. For research of this kind, it is extremely important that the researcher uses the idea of he economic process as such, the nature of its dynamics and the factors influencing its development. This paper is devoted to the concept of the “path dependence”, based on the ideas of “dependence on previous development”. The notion is clearly interdisciplinary in nature and can be used and is already used in economic and geographical research. This work is devoted to clarifying the economic and geographical content of the concept of “path dependence” and to show the demonstration of this effect in the socio-economic and spatial development of a particular region (for example, the Kaliningrad region). The paper gives review of the modern state of researches on the “path dependence” problem including main research areas. From the example of the Kaliningrad region development starting from 1945 to date the work shows both mechanism of action of the “path dependence” and mechanism of development path shift. It also describes action of “path dependence” factors and its influence on regional economic development. Apart particularities of the current development of the Kaliningrad region are characterized from the path overlocking perspective.
Strategic planning in rural settlements of Russia
Authors: Zhikharevich B. S. , Lebedeva N. A.
Published: January 2020

The results of the study carried out in 2019 in Leontief Center aimed at studying the strategic planning at the level of rural settlements of Russia were considered. The database is made of 437 strategy of social and economic development of the rural settlements registered in the State information system “Upravlenie” on 6.08.2019. Process of distribution of practice of strategic planning at the level of the rural settlement during 2007-2019 is shown, distribution of all rural settlements having strategy on 17 regions is analyzed. It is revealed that the vast majority of strategy of rural settlements (84.2%) are developed in three regions – Lipetsk, Irkutsk and Voronezh. It is revealed that in general rural settlements are engaged in development of strategy only when pressure from the level of the territorial subject of the federation and the municipal district is put upon them. Studying of texts of several tens rural strategy showed that as a result of such campaigns the majority of strategy are same, sample, poorly considering specifics of the settlement. The usefulness from such developments is doubtful. Rural settlements where there is real progress in development, have no official strategy. And sat down the having strategy, in weight almost do not differ in sense of success from not having. Nevertheless, development of strategy can be useful if it is conducted creatively, with real participation of local community.
Methodological approaches for Moscow urban agglomeration delimitation based on mobile network operators data
Authors: Makhrova A. G. , Babkin R. A.
Published: January 2020

In the article, based on the methodology of determining the functional urban areas of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with the use of data from mobile operators about the localization of network users, the boundaries of the Moscow agglomeration are identified and it is spatial structure is analyzed using the approaches of the chrono-geography concept. The analysis showed the impossibility of using the OECD methodology without its adaptation to Russian conditions. For example, according to this technique, the entire territory of the “real city”, including the “sleeping areas” of Moscow and its satellite cities, falls into the core zone. At the same time, the suburban area extends to the territory of almost the entire Moscow region, going in many directions beyond its borders. The adapted version of the method of delimitation involves reducing the size of the core to the boundaries of the Moscow ring road with a corresponding decrease in the boundaries of the suburban area, which is consistent with the approaches and ideas developed in practice in Russia. Using the methodology of the chrono-geography concept, a model of “pulsating agglomeration” was developed. It is a new variant of studying and analyzing the dynamics of socio-economic functioning of agglomerations, taking into account the different time socio-economic rhythms of the Moscow agglomeration. As part of the agglomeration, “static” – constant throughout the year and “movable” – seasonal suburban areas were identified, which allowed to include in the analysis of “pulsation” not only the population of the structural elements of the agglomeration, but also its boundaries depending on the seasons.
Data generalization for spatial socio-economic disparities on different research scales
Authors: Shevchuk E. I. , Kirillov P. L. , Petrosian A. N.
Published: January 2020

This paper reviews aspects of utilizing various research scales (polyscale method) in spatial heterogeneity studies. Analysis is based on socio-economic data for different subdivision levels in Russia – municipalities, regions and economic regions (‘rayon’). Operating on lower levels of spatial organization, in accordance with fundamentals of statistics theory, is determined as the source of an increase in the ratio of observed heterogeneity. Yet, the loss of information on the rate of heterogeneity is observed when applying polyscale method. Such inaccuracies occur owing to the continuity of space and artificial nature of geographical borders. Generalization ratio which defines the difference of heterogeneity indices on spatial scales is proposed as a measure of polyscale heterogeneity. The ratio allows to distinguish the scale levels with the highest variety of spatial units, along with the degree of actual geographical contribution to the heterogeneity indicators. Calculations example on data for microregions, as proposed by E. Leizerovich, shows considerable differences between actual and assessed heterogeneity. Application of the method in research studies is proposed, e.g. typology assessment or multi-level forecasting.
Practice of classifying tourist clusters (case of Pskov oblast)
Authors: Golomidova E. S.
Published: January 2020

The series of questions regarding selection a new criterion for assessing the degree of formation of transboundary tourist- recreational regions of different level is considered in the article. The proposed criterion is transboundary tourist cluster which can be regarded as a core of the transboundary tourist-recreational region. The research relies on the scientific developments in the framework of two concepts in geography of tourism and recreation and exactly, the concept of the tourist clusters and the cross-border tourist-recreational regions. The developments experience of classification of tourist clusters based on the available scientific research within this approach is represented in the first part of the research article. The proposed classification relies on such tourist clusters features as their stage of development, tourist dominants, types of developed tourism, administrative and political status and the size of the covered area, location relative to the state border, etc. The existence of the transboundary cluster can show a fairly high degree of formation of specific transboundary tourist-recreational region. The second part of the research represents the results of testing this classification of tourist clusters in Pskov region and also in the adjacent areas of neighboring countries that are the parts of the transboundary Russian-Estonian tourist-recreational regions of different hierarchical level.
Cross-border cooperation in the Czech-Austrian borderland
Authors: Budiak Yu. I. , Giter B. A. , Grechko E. A.
Published: January 2020

After WWII the transformation of the Czech-Austrian borderlands is connected with destruction of single ethno-cultural and economic space, lengthy period of the border impenetrability, social and economic backwardness of the borderlands. That period of Czech-Austrian relations has had lasting impact, strengthening the mental borders between the Austrian and the Czech that slows the recovery of the ties. The Czech-Austrian interaction within the framework of euroregions play a significant role in the revival of relationships. Among the existing in the Czech Republic euroregions with the participation of Austria (Shumava, Pomoraví, Silva Nortica), only Silva Nortica completely based on bilateral Czech-Austrian cooperation for the sustainable development of border areas. The article examines causes and consequences of the Czech-Austrian ties destruction, as well as the process of their recovery using the case of the Euroregion Silva Nortica. In the paper, we showed the importance of non-economic factors in the development of cross-border cooperation. Despite significant progress in the economic relations between Austria and the Czech Republic, especially in trade and tourism, the interaction in the borderlands remains low. To enhance this interaction, the countries attempts to create new “points of attraction” by consolidation of public services, for example, fire department within the euroregions
Kazakhstan Youth Associations through the Prism of Public Opinion of Young Generation
Authors: Kaliyeva Zhadyra , Zhurasova Altynay , Shakhmatova Nadezhda , Uzakova Salima
Published: January 2020

Results of the sociological studies, performed by means of a questionnaire (quota-area sample), are provided by the authors in the article. It is noted that youth organizations in the modern Kazakhstan are actively developing, playing an increasing role in life of the young generation. Meanwhile, every third young Kazakhstan was undecided during the questionnaire, and this confirms a significant level of inactivity of the most part of the youth. It is emphasized that a disparity between two components of the integration mechanism – youth engagement in one or other structure and identification with them – is observed in terms of social instability and uncertainty. Consequently, integration becomes necessary, more equivalent to mechanical integration than organically established interrelation. There are three approaches in the public opinion of the youth on the development of youth organizations – as a political and ideological structure (dominant), as a social mechanism of socialization, and responses to problems, needs and demands of the youth. Conclusions on a flexible ambiguity and a synthetical nature of the modern youth organizations of Kazakhstan, integrating traditional and paternalistic, and innovation-democratic beliefs and practices, were made on the basis of the performed analysis. And the first dominates over the second ones. At the same time, the youth associations were divided in those, which were created and controlled ‘from upstairs’ (more according to the youth opinion), and those, which were created upon the initiative ‘from below’. It was noted that in the case of orientation to (in the estimation of most people) youth engagement into political life of the society, many organizations solve problems of the society, but not of the youth. Moreover, nowadays most of the modern youth of Kazakhstan considers that the need of young people in public youth organizations has always been a priority. It means applicability and need of modern youth organizations during a troubled period of the society transformation, when young people need support of the society, solution of social problems and assistance, in order to implement themselves and their positive personal qualities, perfect themselves intellectually and spiritually, and to impact on public processes. Also this confirms that the Kazakhstan youth has a considerable potential of public activism.
Positioning of Childlessness: Reflections of Reproductive Age and Older Women
Authors: Šumskaitė Lina , Rapolienė Gražina , Gedvilaitė-Kordušienė Margarita
Published: January 2020

This paper focuses on childless women reflections of their current status. During the qualitative research (2017–2018), 44 interviews have been completed with 28–71 year old women without children. Based on the positioning theory (Harré et al. 2009; Allen, Wiles 2013), the paper reveals how childlessness is being positioned on different levels: personal, interpersonal and cultural. The individualistic values – freedom from the burden, taking care of oneself, recognizing responsibility to raise children – were revealed on the personal level. On the interpersonal level, women of reproductive age expressed positions that were agreed upon with their partners or stated how difficult it is to reach the agreement. Meanwhile, the narratives of women from older generations reveal inert life scenarios. The cultural norms to have children in marriage had a strong influence on both women groups, who were in their reproductive age and who have finished their reproductive career.
El uso de la erudición en las continuaciones argumentales de La Celestina
Authors: García Valiente Luis , Martínez Pérez Antonia
Published: January 2020

El presente artículo analiza el uso del retoricismo (especialmente de las citas eruditas) en las continuaciones argumentales de La Celestina: La Segunda Comedia de Celestina (Feliciano de Silva, 1534), La Tercera Parte de la Tragicomedia de Celestina (Gaspar Gómez de Toledo, 1536) y La Tragicomedia de Lisandro y Roselia (Sancho de Muñón, 1542) con el fin de establecer comparaciones entre sí y respecto a la obra modelo. Para ello, este estudio se centra en aspectos como el número y tipo de citas eruditas, su acumulación y colocación, los personajes que las utilizan o la finalidad que pretenden. Asimismo, se incorporan cuadros sinópticos que clasifican dichas citas en cada una de las continuaciones, para una mejor comprensión de su alcance y significado.

The present article analyses the use of rhetoric (especially of erudite figures) in the sequels to La Celestina: La Segunda Comedia de Celestina (Feliciano de Silva, 1534), La Tercera Parte de la Tragicomedia de Celestina (Gaspar Gómez de Toledo, 1536) y La Tragicomedia de Lisandro y Roselía (Sancho de Muñón, 1542), in order to establish a comparison with each other as well as with the primal work. To do it, this analysis focuses on aspects such as the number and kind of erudite figures, their accumulation and and positioning, the characters who use them or the goals they aim at. Moreover, a few synoptic charts have been added to classify the named figures in each one of the sequels for a better understanding of their scope and significance.
L'épistolier au féminin au XVIIIe siècle : Lettres d’une Péruvienne de Mme de Graffigny
Authors: Sánchez Hernández Mª Angeles
Published: January 2020

En este artículo presentamos un análisis de la obra de Mme de Graffigny Lettres d’une Péruvienne (1747), novela que tuvo un éxito considerable en el momento de su publicación, aunque presentaba unas tesis altamente críticas sobre la situación de la mujer en la sociedad de la Ilustración. Situaremos nuestro análisis de la obra en el contexto de la novela epistolar francesa del siglo XVIII. Destacamos los elementos que consideramos innovadores en este trabajo en relación con el género al que pertenece.

In this article we present an analysis of the work of Mme de Graffigny Lettres d'une Péruvienne (1747), a novel which was a considerable success at the time of its publication, although it presented a thesis on the situation of women in Lumière's highly critical society. We situate our analysis of the work in the context of the epistolary novel in France in the 18th century. We highlight the elements that we consider innovative in this work in relation to the genre to which it belongs.
Problemas-Proyectos Adaptativos y Creativos en la enseñanza de las ciencias. Descripción de la metodología y apreciación de los estudiantes involucrados
Authors: Queiruga-Dios Miguel Ángel , Sáiz-Manzanares María Consuelo , Montero-García Eduardo
Published: January 2020

En este artículo se describe la metodología que se ha denominado Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas-Proyectos Adaptativos y Creativos (ABPac), utilizando como ejemplo algunos de los proyectos realizados en el centro concertado Jesús-María de Burgos durante diez años, entre 2006 y 2016, con alumnos de Secundaria Obligatoria y Bachillerato. Esta metodología sugiere una atención a la diversidad del alumnado considerando sus necesidades e inquietudes. Además, se analiza cuantitativamente el resultado de la encuesta de percepción realizada a 73 individuos involucrados en esta metodología cuando ya ha transcurrido un tiempo de madurez y se encuentran finalizando sus carreras o con estas ya finalizadas. Las conclusiones indican que esta metodología se muestra eficaz en los aspectos más relevantes que persigue: la adquisición de habilidades del siglo XXI . Finalmente, se analiza el resultado de la encuesta realizada así como algunos testimonios recogidos.
Patrones de participación y logro en un MOOC de Saberes Digitales para Docentes en servicio de México
Authors: Mercado del Collado Ricardo , Jácome Ávila Nancy , Ortega Guerrero Juan Carlos , Casillas Alvarado Miguel Ángel , Ramírez Martinell Alberto
Published: January 2020

En este artículo se investigaron los patrones de participación y logro de más de 8000 participantes en un MOOC de Saberes Digitales para Docentes mediante estadística descriptiva y análisis de conglomerados en función de edad, género y nivel educativo. Los resultados indican que los participantes de mayor edad y nivel educativo obtuvieron mejores niveles de logro y participaron más en el foro de discusión. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre género. La participación global siguió un modelo de embudo en donde existe un decremento notable de la participación a partir de la primera actividad para estabilizarse a partir de la quinta. El curso descansó sobre una base de confianza en la que se asume al participante como par académico que ha optado por tomar voluntariamente el curso con el propósito principal de aprender. Por lo que considerar la autopercepción de su desempeño como parte de la guía de avance es consistente con la filosofía de estos cursos.
Potential of Timed 25-Foot Walk Values in Predicting Maximum Walking Distance in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Alshamrani Foziah , Berger Warren , Alnajashi Hind , Payne Michael W.C. , Morrow Sarah A.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores of 4.0 or greater are determined primarily by maximum walking distance (MWD). Estimation of MWD by persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) is often used due to the impracticality of formally walking a person with MS in a clinic setting. Previous studies have demonstrated discrepancies between estimated and actual MWDs. Whether Timed 25-Foot Walk test (T25FW) values can be used to predict MWD is currently unknown. This study aimed to determine whether T25FW time is predictive of MWD in persons with MS.

Methods:

This study is a post hoc analysis of a previously described prospective cohort study. Persons with MS with an EDSS score of 3.5 to 5.5 were included. The participant’s T25FW values and MWD were measured.

Results:

Of the 38 adult participants (mean age, 50.8 years; 27 women [71%]), 24 (63%) had relapsing-remitting MS. The median EDSS score was 4.5 (range, 3.5–5.5). The T25FW times were divided into seven categories (<5.0, 5.0–5.9, 6.0–6.9, 7.0–7.9, 8.0–8.9, 9.0–9.9, and ≥10.0 seconds). The MWDs were divided into corresponding EDSS score categories: ≥500, 300–499, 200–299, 100–199, and ≤99 m. Ordinal logistic regression, when controlled for age, found the T25FW categories to be predictive of EDSS score (χ2 = 17.630, df = 7, P = .014).

Conclusions:

The T25FW value may be used as a surrogate estimate of MWD. Further studies are needed to confirm the reliability of the T25FW in predicting MWD.
Characteristics of perioptic and intraoptic arterial vascularization of extracranial segment of optic nerve
Authors: Balaban-Đurević Radmila , Hajrović Samra , Pljevaljčić Vanja , Reçi Valvita , Kulić Stefan , Milisavljević Milan
Published: January 2020

Introduction. The optic nerve is supplied by the arterial branches of the supericial pial plexus and direct intraneural branches. The aim of the study was to study the morphological characteristics (origin, number of arteries, calibers, and branching pattern) of perioptic arterial vascularization and intraoptic vascular network of the extracranial sections of the optic nerve: canalicular and intraorbital. Methods. The study included 18 pairs of the optic nerves of both sexes (11 males and 7 females), aged 51 to 78 years, with no signs of changes in the structures of the nervous system. The vasculature of the optic nerves was microdissected and examined under the stereoscopic microscope, after injecting their arteries with 10% mixture of India ink and gelatin, and 5% formaline ixation. Results. The intracanalicular part of the optic nerve received ine blood vessels from the ophthalmic artery, usually in two branches in 29 (82.9%) cases, while in 6 (17.1%) specimens there was only one branch for the nerve. The intraorbital segment of the optic nerve was supplied by two interconnected systems of blood vessels, peripheral and axial, both coming from the central retinal artery. Conclusion. On the basis of the obtained results, it has been conirmed that both segments of the optic nerve have a rich and very delicate vascular network. The supericial pial arterial plexus of the intracanalicular segment of the optic nerve has been identiied as the only source of its vascular supply. The intraorbital part of the optic nerve has two interconnected systems of blood vessels: peripheral and axial.
Diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes: The frequency and risk factors
Authors: Kovačević Maksim , Petković Nenad
Published: January 2020

Introduction. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and risk factors for diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients with type 2 diabetes as well as the factors related to kidney function decrease over a three-year period. Methods. The study involved 81 patients with type 2 diabetes, initially classified into two groups: the first group was comprised of 41 patients with DN (27 males; 62.03 ± 7.73 years) while the second one included 40 patients without DN (17 males, 61.73 ± 11.55 years). All of them were subjected to history taking, objective examination as well as laboratory examination. Based on the results of the study lasting for three years, the patients of both groups were divided into subgroups with stable kidney function and subgroups with impaired kidney function, defined as an increase in proteinuria level and/or decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by more than 25%. Results. In both groups, high incidence rates of known risk factors for diabetes and DN were recorded at the beginning of the study. The multivariate logistic analysis identified the female sex and the duration of diabetes as significant predictors of DN. After three-year period, kidney function declined in approximately 50% of patients with and without DN. Furthermore, the values of fasting glycemia and HbA1c were statistically higher in the groups with impaired kidney function compared to the ones with stable eGFR. The linear regression analysis revealed that, during three-year period, the change in eGFR was significantly associated with patient age, the duration of diabetes, systolic blood pressure, the difference in diastolic readings and proteinuria. The change in proteinuria was strongly associated with systolic blood pressure, the difference in diastolic readings, as well as with HbA1 and eGFR at the end of the study. Conclusion. In patients with type 2 diabetes, female sex and longer duration of diabetes were identified as significant risk factors for DN, while patient age, the duration of diabetes, elevated blood pressure and poor glucoregulation were identified as risk factors for kidney function decrease.
Impact of elapsed time between first symptoms and diagnosis of celiac disease on psycho-physical functioning and social life of children and adolescents
Authors: Stojanović-Jovanović Biljana , Jovanović Stevan , Vuletić Biljana
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease resulting from an inadequate immune response to gluten in genetically predisposed individuals as a result of consuming gluten and other related proteins present in wheat, rye, barley and oats. The only cure for this specific disease is a strict, carefully controlled and lifelong gluten-free diet. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the elapsed time between the onset of the first symptoms and the diagnosis of celiac disease affected the psycho-physical functioning and social life of children and adolescents.

Methods. The study involved 116 respondents (39 of them were males), aged 8-18 years, who were diagnosed with celiac disease. The Documentation Sheet and the Celiac-Specific Pediatric Health-Related Instrument (CDPQOL), measuring the psycho-physical functioning and social life, were used in the study.

Results. 50% of subjects, aged ≤ 2 years, were diagnosed with celiac disease. 48.28% of them were diagnosed with the disease within three months after the symptom onset. In respondents with celiac disease, aged 8-12 years, there was no statistically significant difference between the psycho-physical functioning and social life and the elapsed time between the first symptoms and the established diagnosis. In subjects aged 13-18 years, using CDPQOL, a statistically significant difference was found in the following domains: school functioning, going out and social events, self-confidence. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference between total CDPQOL score and the elapsed time between the first symptoms and the established diagnosis.

Conclusion. The elapsed time between the first symptoms and the established diagnosis significantly affects the psycho-physical functioning and social life of subjects aged 13-18 years, but it does not affect the psycho-physical functioning and social life of the younger respondents. This is to confirm the importance of early diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Determination of arsenic content in tea samples available on Republic of Srpska market by atomic absorption spectrophotometry
Authors: Đermanović Mirjana , Bojanić Ljubica , Suručić Relja , Antunović Vesna
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Arsenic exists in various forms in nature and living organisms. Toxic elements, including arsenic, which are present in some plants, can severely damage haemopoietic, immune, nervous and reproductive systems. For this reason, a content of heavy metals is one of the criteria for the assessment of the safe use of plant material in the production of traditional medicines and herbal infusions. This instigates the need for constant and organized safety control of plants that are used as raw materials in pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this study is to determine the arsenic content in selected teas which are available on the market of the Republic of Srpska. Methods. The 10 g samples of 13 herbal and 3 fruit teas were mineralized by dry ashing and arsenic contents were determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer Agilent Technologies Series 200 with an air-acetylene burner and D2 background correction. Results. Mean arsenic concentrations in the herbal tea samples ranged from 0.009 to 0.145 mg/kg. The lowest arsenic concentration in a single sample of 0.007 mg/kg was found in Chamomile tea and Uva ursi collected as a wild plant at elevation above 1200 m. The highest arsenic concentration was found in the sample of Sambucus nigra tea (0.145 mg/kg). In fruit teas, the arsenic concentration ranged from 0.014 mg/kg (Cranberry) to 0.027 mg/kg (Fruit mix). Conclusion. Arsenic content in all analyzed tea samples is below the value stipulated by the national legislation.
Functional ability of men aged 65 or more
Authors: Stijepić Ilija , Popović Tamara , Sredić-Cartes Dragana
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Aging is a biological process leading to the decrease in functional ability which is defined as an ability to perform activities of daily living in a secure, independent and effective way. The aim of the study was to examine the functional ability of men aged ≥ 65 years as well as to determine the differences in functional ability in relation to the age of respondents. Methods. The study included 120 men aged ≥ 65 years from Banja Luka and Prijedor region. The patients were divided into four groups depending on their age. The Senior Fitness Test was used for functional ability evaluation. Results. The Senior Fitness Test showed a statistically significant difference between the group of patients aged 65-69 years and the group of respondents aged ≥80 years in all of the tests except for strength tests. The subjects aged ≥80 years had significantly poorer flexibility of the lower extremities compared to the subjects in the remaining three groups. The smallest statistical difference between the groups of different age structure was found in the parameters of upper extremity strength which progressively but negligibly declined with age. Six-minute walk test showed a statistically significant difference between the group of patients aged 65-69 years (430.42±60.94 m) and the group of respondents aged ≥80 years (370.57±76.727 m; p= 0.003). Conclusion. Aging leads to the progressive decrease in both upper and lower extremity strength, as well as in flexibility and aerobic ability. Therefore, the lowest functional ability is found in the respondents aged ≥80 years.
Identification and evaluation of risk factors associated to Mycobacterium bovis transmission in southeast hunting areas of central Portugal
Authors: Abrantes Ana Carolina , Acevedo Pelayo , Martínez-Guijosa Jordi , Serejo João , Vieira-Pinto Madalena
Published: January 2020

Some European countries have great economic Tuberculosis-related losses, so disease eradication programs have been developed, which is the case of Portugal, especially on the southeast of central region. One of the most probable cause of the eradication fail is the existence of one well-defined wildlife-cattle interface scenario and consequently a Tuberculosis (TB) cross-transmission. Understanding the field risk factors associated with TB infection in this interface is fundamental to develop effective strategies to control the bovine TB in farms. In this study, a TB risk assessment protocol was applied to 8 extensive cattle farms. 153 risk factors were identified in the study: 94 were watering points (61.4%), 40 feeding points (26.2%), 12 food storage points (7.8%) and 7 of other factors (4.6%). These points were mostly classified as high-risk factors in wildlife-cattle interface, once they enable the aggregation, cross-transmission and reveal characteristics that permit the survival of mycobacteria. Our experience suggests that it is necessary a specific design farm biosecurity plan according to the risk factors present in the field. It is needed the involvement of farmers, hunters and health authorities to assist to some progress in this fight against TB dissemination.
The structure of species discrimination signals across a primate radiation
Authors: Winters Sandra , Allen William L , Higham James P
Published: January 2020

Discriminating conspecifics from heterospecifics can help avoid costly interactions between closely related sympatric species. The guenons, a recent primate radiation, exhibit high degrees of sympatry and form multi-species groups. Guenons have species-specific colorful face patterns hypothesized to function in species discrimination. Here, we use a machine learning approach to identify face regions most essential for species classification across fifteen guenon species. We validate these computational results using experiments with live guenons, showing that facial traits critical for accurate classification influence selective attention toward con- and heterospecific faces. Our results suggest variability among guenon species in reliance on single-trait-based versus holistic facial characteristics for species discrimination, with behavioral responses and computational results indicating variation from single-trait to whole-face patterns. Our study supports a role for guenon face patterns in species discrimination, and shows how complex signals can be informative about differences between species across a speciose and highly sympatric radiation.
Improving parallel executions by increasing task granularity in task-based runtime systems using acyclic DAG clustering
Authors: Bramas Bérenger , Ketterlin Alain
Published: January 2020

The task-based approach is a parallelization paradigm in which an algorithm is transformed into a direct acyclic graph of tasks: the vertices are computational elements extracted from the original algorithm and the edges are dependencies between those. During the execution, the management of the dependencies adds an overhead that can become significant when the computational cost of the tasks is low. A possibility to reduce the makespan is to aggregate the tasks to make them heavier, while having fewer of them, with the objective of mitigating the importance of the overhead. In this paper, we study an existing clustering/partitioning strategy to speed up the parallel execution of a task-based application. We provide two additional heuristics to this algorithm and perform an in-depth study on a large graph set. In addition, we propose a new model to estimate the execution duration and use it to choose the proper granularity. We show that this strategy allows speeding up a real numerical application by a factor of 7 on a multi-core system.
Declines in skeletal muscle quality vs. size following two weeks of knee joint immobilization
Authors: MacLennan Rob J. , Sahebi Michael , Becker Nathan , Davis Ethan , Garcia Jeanette M. , Stock Matt S.
Published: January 2020

Background

Disuse of a muscle group, which occurs during bedrest, spaceflight, and limb immobilization, results in atrophy. It is unclear, however, if the magnitude of decline in skeletal muscle quality is similar to that for muscle size. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two weeks of knee joint immobilization on vastus lateralis and rectus femoris echo intensity and cross-sectional area.

Methods

Thirteen females (mean ± SD age = 21 ± 2 years) underwent two weeks of left knee joint immobilization via ambulating on crutches and use of a brace. B-mode ultrasonography was utilized to obtain transverse plane images of the immobilized and control vastus lateralis and rectus femoris at pretest and following immobilization. Effect size statistics and two-way repeated measures analyses of variance were used to interpret the data.

Results

No meaningful changes were demonstrated for the control limb and the rectus femoris of the immobilized limb. Analyses showed a large increase in vastus lateralis echo intensity (i.e., decreased muscle quality) for the immobilized limb (p = .006, Cohen’s d = .918). For vastus lateralis cross-sectional area, no time × limb interaction was observed (p = .103), but the effect size was moderate (d = .570). There was a significant association between the increase in vastus lateralis echo intensity and the decrease in cross-sectional area (r =  − .649, p = .016).

Conclusion

In female participants, two weeks of knee joint immobilization resulted in greater deterioration of muscle quality than muscle size. Echo intensity appears to be an attractive clinical tool for monitoring muscle quality during disuse.
A new species of rorqual whale (Cetacea, Mysticeti, Balaenopteridae) from the Late Miocene of the Southern North Sea Basin and the role of the North Atlantic in the paleobiogeography of Archaebalaenoptera
Authors: Bisconti Michelangelo , Munsterman Dirk K. , Fraaije René H.B. , Bosselaers Mark E.J. , Post Klaas
Published: January 2020

Background

The rich fossil record of rorqual and humpback whales (Cetacea, Mysticeti, Balaenopteridae) is mainly characterized by monotypic genera since genera including more than one species are extremely rare. The discovery of new species belonging to known genera would be of great importance in order to better understand ancestor-descendant relationships and paleobiogeographic patterns in this diverse group. Recent discoveries in the southern North Sea Basin yielded a number of reasonably well preserved fossil balaenopterids from the Late Miocene; this sample includes a balaenopterid skull from Liessel, The Netherlands, which shares key characters with Archaebalaenoptera castriarquati from the Pliocene of Mediterranean. This skull is permanently held by Oertijdmuseum, Boxtel, The Netherlands, with the number MAB002286 and is investigated here.

Methods

A detailed comparative anatomical analysis of the skull MAB002286 is performed in order to understand its relationships. The age of the skull is determined by dinocyst analysis of the associated sediment. A paleobiogeographic analysis is performed to understand paleobiogeographic patterns within the balaenopterid clade the new skull belongs to.

Results

Our work resulted in the description of Archaebalaenoptera liesselensis new species. The geological age of the holotype skull is between 8.1 and 7.5 Ma. The phylogenetic relationships of this species reveals that it is monophyletic with Archaebalaenoptera castriarquati from the Italian Pliocene. Moreover, in combination with a more basal species of Archaebalaenoptera from the late Miocene of Peru, our paleobiogeographic analysis suggests that the North Atlantic ocean played a major role as a center of origin of a number of balaenopterid clades including Protororqualus, Archaebalaenoptera and more advanced balaenopterid taxa. From a North Atlantic center of origin, two dispersal events are inferred that led to the origins of Archaebalaenoptera species in the South Pacific and Mediterranean. The distribution of Archaebalaenoptera was antitropical in the late Miocene. The role played by the Mediterranean salinity crisis is also investigated and discussed.
A novel computational approach to the silencing of Sugarcane Bacilliform Guadeloupe A Virus determines potential host-derived MicroRNAs in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)
Authors: Ashraf Fakiha , Ashraf Muhammad Aleem , Hu Xiaowen , Zhang Shuzhen
Published: January 2020

Sugarcane Bacilliform Guadeloupe A Virus (SCBGAV, genus Badnavirus, family Caulimoviridae) is an emerging, deleterious pathogen of sugarcane which presents a substantial barrier to producing high sugarcane earnings. Sugarcane bacilliform viruses (SCBVs) are one of the main species that infect sugarcane. During the last 30 years, significant genetic changes in SCBV strains have been observed with a high risk of disease incidence associated with crop damage. SCBV infection may lead to significant losses in biomass production in susceptible sugarcane cultivars. The circular, double-stranded (ds) DNA genome of SCBGAV (7.4 Kb) is composed of three open reading frames (ORFs) on the positive strand that replicate by a reverse transcriptase. SCBGAV can infect sugarcane in a semipersistent manner via the insect vectors sugarcane mealybug species. In the current study, we used miRNA target prediction algorithms to identify and comprehensively analyze the genome-wide sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)-encoded microRNA (miRNA) targets against the SCBGAV. Mature miRNA target sequences were retrieved from the miRBase (miRNA database) and were further analyzed for hybridization to the SCBGAV genome. Multiple computational approaches—including miRNA-target seed pairing, multiple target positions, minimum free energy, target site accessibility, maximum complementarity, pattern recognition and minimum folding energy for attachments—were considered by all algorithms. Among them, sof-miR396 was identified as the top effective candidate, capable of targeting the vital ORF3 of the SCBGAV genome. miRanda, RNA22 and RNAhybrid algorithms predicted hybridization of sof-miR396 at common locus position 3394. The predicted sugarcane miRNAs against viral mRNA targets possess antiviral activities, leading to translational inhibition by mRNA cleavage. Interaction network of sugarcane-encoded miRNAs with SCBGAV genes, created using Circos, allow analyze new targets. The finding of the present study acts as a first step towards the creation of SCBGAV-resistant sugarcane through the expression of the identified miRNAs.
Acid soil amended in contaminated conditions. Effect on cultivated lettuces (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia)
Authors: Otazo Sánchez, Gabriela Pérez-Baca Urbin Alma Delia Román Gutiérrez, Elena María , Gordillo Martínez, José Roberto Villagóm Francisco Prieto García, Alberto José
Published: January 2020

The waste amendment is a common practice to improve crop production on acid soils. This work aims to study the effectiveness of water potabilization plant sludge and lamb manure in acid soils remediation and the possible absorption of metals in cultivated lettuces, as well as the elements´distribution in roots and leaves after extra-contaminated irrigation. Al2(SO4)3-stabilized sludge, and lamb manure was added to an acid soil collected from Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo State, Mexico. The sludge (L), manure (M), control soil (C), unamended (S) and amended soils (SML) were characterized, and the metals´ concentrations determined. The SML was prepared by adding 2.62 % M and 5.25% L to fill up 600 L tanks. Lettuces (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) seeds were sown in S and SML, and irrigated once by metal salts solution (Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd as sulfates, 200 mg kg-1 each). Lettuce germinated and grew satisfactorily in the SML, but they grew slowly in the unamended acid S, and the roots were affected. Leaves and roots were regularly analyzed along three months, and the metal concentrations showed higher values in S than the ones in SML. Pollutants were available from S, as they were present in roots, and desorbed after 40 days. The elements were present in higher concentrations in lettuce roots than in leaves, as expected. Conclusions. a) Acid soils can be amended with potabilization plants wastes in mining zones, but pH must be controlled to prevent the availability of metals. b) The soil texture was the principal cause of infertility due to root damage, and wastes eliminate the impairment. c) The element concentrations present in the leaves were acceptable for human nutrition.
The effect of enzyme and protein source on laying hens performance, eggshell and bone traits
Authors: Kubiś Marta , Lewko Lidia , Kaczmarek Sebastian Andrzej , Nowaczewski Sebastian , Andrzej Rutkowski Marcin Hejdysz,
Published: January 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate the interaction between exogenous phytase with protease and protein source in laying hens diet. A completely randomised design study with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement was conducted to observe effects of protein source (soybean vs. yellow lupine seeds diet) and enzyme addition (no enzyme vs. phytase or protease or both) on laying hens performance, bone mineralization and some egg traits. One hundred sixty Hy-Line Brown hens at the age of 18 weeks were weighed and randomly assigned to 10 treatments, each with 16 birds. According to the producer recommendation in diets containing enzymes reduced the level of available phosphorus (50% reduction) and digestible amino acids - 5% reduction. The egg production during the entire experiment was similar in all groups without significant differences. The egg weight was also on an equal level in all treatments and it was about 58g. Birds fed different protein source were characterized by similar feed intake and feed conversion ratio during the whole experiment. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was about 1.9-2.0 in all groups. Tibia ash was affected by enzymes supplementation. There was an interaction between protein source and enzymes addition. Birds from treatments fed with yellow lupine meal (YLM) diets reached highest tibia ash level in a group with phytase addition and in groups with SMB in a group with phytase and protease mix. The inclusion of enzymes improved the thickness of the shell. There was an interaction between protein source and enzyme inclusion. It was an interaction between experimental factors in shell breaking strength. Stronger eggshell was laid by hens from groups fed with the inclusion of yellow lupine meal. Addition of phytase had a positive impact on increasing the strength of eggshell. Only inclusion of enzymes affected significantly on shell elastic deformation in part I of eggs. Eggs from hens fed diets with inclusion of protease and phytase mix were most resistant to elastic deformation.
Melatonin Application Increases Accumulation of Phenol substances in Kiwifruit during Storage
Authors: Dong Liang Xiu Wang, , Xie Yue , Hui Xia Xiulan Lv, Jin Wang,
Published: January 2020

To investigate the effect of melatonin on the fruit quality during storage, fruits of ‘Jingshi No 1’, a new yellow-fleshed kiwifruit variety, were used as materials by soaking in 0.1 mmol·L-1 melatonin (MT) solution. The results showed that MT treatment significantly delayed the decline of fruit hardness, reduced the loss of soluble protein, and significantly lowered the accumulation of malondialdehyde when compared with the control. Moreover, MT application improved content of antioxandants, such as total phenolic, total flavonoid and flavanol content, and the antioxidant capacity measured by ABTS and FRAP. These results indicate that MT application can delay fruit softening and improve antioxidant ability by enhancing the accumulation of phenolic substances during storage.