bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of maternal gestational diet, with or without methionine, on muscle transcriptome of Bos indicus-influenced beef calves following a vaccine-induced immunological challenge
Authors: Palmer Elizabeth A. , Peñagaricano Francisco , Vedovatto Marcelo , Oliveira Rhaiza A. , Field Sena L. , Laporta Jimena , Moriel Philipe
Published: June 2021

Maternal nutrition during gestation can cause epigenetic effects that translate to alterations in gene expression in offspring. This 2-year study employed RNA-sequencing technology to evaluate the pre- and post-vaccination muscle transcriptome of early-weanedBos indicus-influenced beef calves born from dams offered different supplementation strategies from 57 ± 5 d prepartum until 17 ± 5 d postpartum. Seventy-two Brangus heifers (36 heifers/yr) were stratified by body weight and body condition score and assigned to bahiagrass pastures (3 heifers/pasture/yr). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures and consisted of (i) no pre- or postpartum supplementation (NOSUP), (ii) pre- and postpartum supplementation of protein and energy using 7.2 kg of dry matter/heifer/wk of molasses + urea (MOL), or (iii) MOL fortified with 105 g/heifer/wk of methionine hydroxy analog (MOLMET). Calves were weaned on d 147 of the study. On d 154, 24 calves/yr (8 calves/treatment) were randomly selected and individually limit-fed a high-concentrate diet until d 201. Calves were vaccinated on d 160. Muscle biopsies were collected from the same calves (4 calves/treatment/day/yr) on d 154 (pre-vaccination) and 201 (post-vaccination) for gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing. Molasses maternal supplementation led to a downregulation of genes associated with muscle cell differentiation and development along with intracellular signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt and TGF-β signaling pathway) compared to no maternal supplementation. Maternal fortification with methionine altered functional gene-sets involved in amino acid transport and metabolism and the one-carbon cycle. In addition, muscle transcriptome was impacted by vaccination with a total of 2,396 differentially expressed genes (FDR ≤ 0.05) on d 201 vs. d 154. Genes involved in cell cycle progression, extracellular matrix, and collagen formation were upregulated after vaccination. This study demonstrated that maternal supplementation of energy and protein, with or without, methionine has long-term implications on the muscle transcriptome of offspring and potentially influence postnatal muscle development.
Rifampicin exposure reveals within-host Mycobacterium tuberculosis diversity in patients with delayed culture conversion
Authors: Genestet Charlotte , Hodille Elisabeth , Barbry Alexia , Berland Jean-Luc , Hoffmann Jonathan , Westeel Emilie , Bastian Fabiola , Guichardant Michel , Venner Samuel , Lina Gérard , Ginevra Christophe , Ader Florence , Goutelle Sylvain , Dumitrescu Oana
Published: June 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) genetic micro-diversity in clinical isolates may underline mycobacterial adaptation to tuberculosis (TB) infection and provide insights to anti-TB treatment response and emergence of resistance. Herein we followed within-host evolution of Mtb clinical isolates in two cohorts of TB patients, either with delayed Mtb culture conversion (> 2 months), or with fast culture conversion (< 2 months). We captured the genetic diversity of Mtb isolates obtained in each patient, by focusing on minor variants detected as unfixed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). To unmask antibiotic tolerant sub-populations, we exposed these isolates to rifampicin (RIF) prior to whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis. Thanks to WGS, we detected at least 1 unfixed SNP within the Mtb isolates for 9/15 patients with delayed culture conversion, and non-synonymous (ns) SNPs for 8/15 patients. Furthermore, RIF exposure revealed 9 additional unfixed nsSNP from 6/15 isolates unlinked to drug resistance. By contrast, in the fast culture conversion cohort, RIF exposure only revealed 2 unfixed nsSNP from 2/20 patients. To better understand the dynamics of Mtb micro-diversity, we investigated the variant composition of a persistent Mtb clinical isolate before and after controlled stress experiments mimicking the course of TB disease. A minor variant, featuring a particular mycocerosates profile, became enriched during both RIF exposure and macrophage infection. The variant was associated with drug tolerance and intracellular persistence, consistent with the pharmacological modeling predicting increased risk of treatment failure. A thorough study of such variants not necessarily linked to canonical drug-resistance, but which are prone to promote anti-TB drug tolerance, may be crucial to prevent the subsequent emergence of resistance. Taken together, the present findings support the further exploration of Mtb micro-diversity as a promising tool to detect patients at risk of poorly responding to anti-TB treatment, ultimately allowing improved and personalized TB management.
Análisis histórico del marco jurídico negocial en el estatuto de los trabajadores: de la inercia franquista y la añagaza sindical a los planes de igualdad
Authors: Duque González Mario
Published: June 2021

En el presente estudio se realiza un análisis histórico del marco normativo español de negociación colectiva para intentar encontrar las razones por las que se ha perpetuado en España el sistema de convenios colectivos de eficacia general ex ante. Razones que deberían llevar a una profunda reflexión y revisión del sistema, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta la actual regulación sobre los planes de igualdad.
La suspensión del contrato de trabajo por nacimiento: ¿hacia una efectiva corresponsabilidad?
Authors: López Rodríguez Josune
Published: June 2021

La finalidad de este trabajo radica en analizar, desde un punto de vista crítico, la configuración actual de la suspensión del contrato de trabajo por nacimiento tras la reforma operada por el Real Decreto-ley 6/2019, de 1 de marzo, de medidas urgentes para garantía de la igualdad de trato y de oportunidades entre mujeres y hombres en el empleo y la ocupación. Así, mediante este análisis crítico, se pretende verificar si la regulación de esta modalidad de suspensión del contrato en el ordenamiento jurídico-laboral interno resulta adecuada para garantizar una corresponsabilidad efectiva en el ámbito familiar. A tal fin, primero, se explica el fundamento de esta modalidad de suspensión; segundo, se presenta su evolución en el ordenamiento jurídico español desde la década de los 80; y, tercero, se analiza y valora su alcance actual.
Impact of urate-lowering therapy on quality of life indicators in patients with gout
Authors: Chikina M. N. , Zhelyabina O. V. , Eliseev M. S.
Published: June 2021

Gout can have a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients.

Objective: to assess the dynamics of QoL indicators and the possibility of achieving the target level of uric acid (UA) in patients with gout on febuxostat therapy, with ineffectiveness and / or contraindications to the allopurinol administration.

Patients and methods. The prospective, single-center study included 80 patients with gout. The follow-up period was at least 6 months of allopurinol or febuxostat (Azurix®) therapy in doses required to achieve the target UA level. When urate-lowering therapy was initiated, allopurinol 100 mg per day was prescribed, followed by dose titration (up to maximum of 900 mg per day) until the target UA level was reached (<360 μmol/L). Patients with ineffectiveness of allopurinol and / or adverse reactions (ADRs) were transferred to febuxostat 80–120 mg per day. To prevent arthritis attacks, all patients received low doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or colchicine 0.5 mg per day or glucocorticoids 7,5 mg per day (in prednisolone equivqlent). At the first and last visits, patients on febuxostat completed the SF-36 questionnaire.

Results and discussion. After 6 months of follow-up, 70 (88%) patients received urate-lowering therapy, of whom 51 (73%) reached the target UA level. Allopurinol dosage titration required 26 patients, of whom 14 (54%) achieved the treatment goal. Due to the ineffectiveness of allopurinol, 32 patients were switched to febuxostat, which allowed to achieve normouricemia in 69% of cases. Fifteen (68%) of 22 patients who were initiated with febuxostat due to ADRs to allopurinol also achieved the target UA level. Patients who received febuxostat and reached the target UA level improved QoL indicators: role-physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality and general physical well-being (p<0.05 in all cases). Patients who did not reach the target UA level on febuxostat therapy improved such indicators as physical functioning, role-physical functioning, and bodily pain (p<0.05 in all cases). High compliance was observed in 63% of patients, treated with febuxostat and in 36% of patients, treated with allopurinol.

Conclusion. In patients with ineffectiveness or intolerance to allopurinol, in 69% of cases febuxostat allows to achieve the target UA level and improving QoL and complience.
Initial drug prescription in outpatient department: principal approach
Authors: Karateev A. E.
Published: June 2021

One of the primary tasks for a doctor when meeting a patient for the first time is to gain his affection and trust. It is not always possible during the first visit to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe pathogenetic therapy, because this often requires a deep additional examination. However, it is imperative to demonstrate knowledge and confidence, provide psychological support and alleviate the suffering of the patient, especially in the case of rheumatic disease accompanied by severe pain. Such a patient should be immediately prescribed adequate analgesic therapy. The main tool for controlling pain in diseases of the joints and spine are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Moreover, their prescription should be deliberate and balanced, taking into account the clinical picture and comorbid pathology.

The article presents two clinical observations, illustrating the formation of a diagnostic and therapeutic concept at an outpatient appointment.
Sleep disorders in acute and chronic pain
Authors: Poluektov M. G. , Golovatyuk A. O.
Published: June 2021

Pain is one of the leading causes of decline in quality of life. When pain syndromes occur, a person may experience unpleasant sensory sensations and concomitant disorders, which can lead to pain aggravation and sleep disturbances. According to experimental studies, increased pain sensation with reduced sleep duration occurs due to opioid, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic antinociceptive systems dysfunction. In clinical practice, a reduction in sleep duration is usually associated with insomnia, which is the most common sleep disorder. In pain syndromes, insomnia occurs in 53–90% of patients (for comparison: in the general population – in 7.4%). Non-pharmacological (cognitive-behavioral therapy) and pharmacological approaches are used in insomnia treatment. Some medications (amitriptyline, mirtazapine, trazodone, gabapentin, pregabalin) have both hypnotic and analgesic effects, which allows to use them for pain syndromes with sleep disturbances. It has been shown that the correction of sleep disorders can reduce the severity and frequency of pain.
Off-label antipsychotics prescription to adolescents with acute psychotic episodes does not cause adverse drug reactions
Authors: Ivashchenko D. V. , Buromskaya N. I. , Malakhova A. D. , Tsarkova N. A. , Savchenko L. M. , Shevchenko Yu. S. , Sychev D. A.
Published: June 2021

Antipsychotics are often used to treat children and adolescents. Because of their age, there are a lot of off-label prescribed antipsychotics in that population. However, the off-label use of medications is considered to be potentially unsafe.

Objective: to evaluate whether the off-label prescription of antipsychotics outside of the approved age group increased the risk of adverse drug reactions in adolescents experiencing an acute psychotic episode.

Patients and methods. We analyzed 450 charts of adolescents hospitalized due to an acute psychotic episode (only completed cases). In addition, we evaluated adverse drug reactions adjusted by off-label antipsychotics prescription outside the approved age group using the Global Trigger Tool (GTT). We also registered prescriptions with duplicates drug classes and potentially dangerous drug interactions.

Results and discussion. Off-label antipsychotics prescription outside the approved age group was less frequently associated with adverse drug reactions (3.2% vs. 10.5%; p=0.013). The logistic regression analysis did not show any significant associations between the off-label antipsychotic use and increased risk of adverse drug reactions (Odds ratio=0.994 (95% confidence interval 0.572-1.726), p=0.982). Although, patients with off-label use of antipsychotics were more likely to have potentially dangerous drug interactions (35.2% vs. 16.15%; p=0.0001) and prescriptions with duplicates drug classes (39.6% vs. 15.43%; p=0.0001).

Conclusion. Off-label antipsychotic prescription outside the approved age group in adolescents with acute psychotic episode does not increase the risk of adverse drug reactions. However, an increase in potentially dangerous drug interactions and prescriptions with duplicates drug classes frequency could be considered red flags. Therefore, we have concluded that the concerns about off-label antipsychotics prescription outside of approved age groups in adolescents with acute psychotic episodes were overrated.
From accurate diagnosis to targeted therapy: depression in general medical practice
Authors: Petrova N. N.
Published: June 2021

Objective: to analyze the diagnostic significance of clinical and phenomenological characteristics of affective disorders in patients with chronic somatic pathology.

Patients and methods. The analysis included the results of a clinical evaluation of 131 patients with chronic somatic pathology, including 96 patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases and 35 patients with cerebral small vessel disease. Clinical assessment included Primary care evaluation of mental disorders (PRIME-MD) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

Results and discussion. Despite the significant frequency and transparent clinical symptoms, general practitioners diagnosed mental disorders in only 30% of patients with depression. We observed a higher prevalence of somatic rather than psychological complaints during the clinical survey. According to the screening using PRIME-MD, 74% of patients were diagnosed with mood disorders, anxiety, and somatoform disorders. We also noted their significant comorbidity with a predominance of a depression and anxiety combination (p < 0.001). Hypertensive patients had the highest depression prevalence (87%) and severity. Moderate depression was the most frequent diagnosis in the study participants, corresponding to major depressive disorder (61.5%).

Conclusion. In general, the symptoms of anhedonia, depression, and anxiety were most pronounced in patients with affective disorders. The high prevalence of somatic symptoms complicates depression evaluation. It is possible to highlight depression and anhedonia as significant symptoms for the detection of depression in patients with somatic disorders.
Differential diagnosis of convulsions in the structure of dissociative (conversion motor) disorder and chronic postoperative hypoparathyroidism: case report and literature review
Authors: Krupinova Yu. A. , Zelenkova-Zakharchuk T. A. , Kovaleva E. V. , Ashurbekova Sh. T. , Eremkina A. K. , Mokrysheva N. G.
Published: June 2021

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disorder of mineral metabolism, characterized by hypocalcemia as a result of the absence or deficiency of parathyroid hormone. The severity of the condition of patients with this disease is associated with both acute episodes of hypocalcemia due to cardiac arrhythmias, laryngo- or bronchospasm, generalized seizures, and manifestations of long-term complications of the disease, such as kidney pathology. In some cases, the normalization of phosphorus-calcium metabolism due to standard treatment with active metabolites / analogues of vitamin D and calcium salts does not lead to a reduction in clinical symptoms, which requires differential diagnosis with other conditions, including such neuropsychiatric disorders as epileptic seizures and their equivalents, syncope, and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. We present a case report of a woman with convulsions, which developed due to dissociative (conversion motor) disorder, with chronic postoperative hypoparathyroidism, receiving standard treatment and having normo- and hypercalcemia.
Belleza, Probabilidad y Adaptación en la Estética de Francis Hutcheson
Authors: López Lloret Jorge
Published: June 2021

El presente artículo propone una aproximación a la estética de Francis Hutcheson diferente a la tradicional, la cual se centraba en la identificación de la belleza como experiencia del sujeto y en la evaluación del impacto de este subjetivismo sobre la generación posterior. Como alternativa se acentúan los aspectos relacionales de su noción de belleza, en la que la estructura del objeto y la respuesta del sujeto no se pueden separar. Para ello el autor se centra especialmente en la poco estudiada Sección V del Tratado I de Una investigación sobre el origen de nuestras ideas de belleza y virtud. En ella la fórmula de la uniformidad en la diversidad, la matemática de la probabilidad y la adaptación de los seres vivos a sus condiciones de vida justifican la hipótesis de Dios diseñador, lo que sitúa a la belleza en el centro del pensamiento de Hutcheson y define una nueva aproximación a su influjo sobre las generaciones posteriores, sobre todo Adam Smith.
«The Undeniable Inner Compass»: Fyodor Dostoevsky’s «Crime and Punishment» in Light of Mohammad Taghi Jafari’s Concept of Conscience
Authors: Hanif Mohsen , Shoja Ayda
Published: June 2021

Though originated from a different historio-geographical background, Mohammad Taghi Jafari’s definition of moral conscience in his book The Conscience helps to further explore Fyodor Dostoevsky’s thematic concern with the same notion in Crime and Punishment. The following study probes into the concepts of self-evaluation and repentance as reflected in the novel. It then explores the manifestation of a phenomenon called the «ugliness of conscience» and all its implications ranging from hallucinations and self-hatred to paranoia and nightmares in this classic work of fiction. Moreover, this paper also studies Dostoevsky’s narrative for any sign of emphasis on the priority of «moral conscience»over «intelligence» and «individuaity», as it is also philosophically proposed and stressed by Jafari.
Recommender systems for specializing new students in the K-13 curriculum using the profile matching, SAW, and a combination of both
Authors: Iswanto Muhammad Edi , Siregar Maria Ulfah , 'Uyun Shofwatul , Nuruzzaman Muhammad Taufiq
Published: June 2021

The selection of students' interests based on the 2013 curriculum (K-13) is carried out before students start learning in class X. Accuracy in its determination is required to ensure that students learn according to their interests and talents. This study applies three DSS methods, namely profile matching, SAW, and a combination of both, to provide accurate recommendations for determining these students' interests. The three methods are compared using the same alternatives and criteria to find the most dominant method. The results of this study indicate that the application of SPK can assist PPDB activities with an accuracy of 79.2 %. In determining interest for students, the combination method is the most dominant, with an accuracy of 78 %. The application of DSS not only helps the specialization process to be faster but also accurate. This is indicated by only 6 out of 122 students who chose specialization based on the DSS recommendation getting a score below the KKM.
An authentication alternative using histogram shifting steganography method
Authors: Viddin Irsandy Maulana Satya , Prihandoko Antonius Cahya , Firmansyah Diksy Media
Published: June 2021

This study aims to develop an authentication alternative by applying the Histogram shifting steganography method. The media used for authentication is image media. Histogram shifting utilizes the histogram of an image to insert a secret message. The developed authentication has implemented the Histogram shifting to insert user credentials into the carrier image. Users can use the steganographic image to log into their accounts. The method extracts the credentials from the image during the login. PSNR test of the steganographic images produces an average value of 52.52 dB. The extraction capability test shows that the method can extract all test images correctly. In addition, this authentication method is also more resistant to attacks common to password authentication.
Segmentation and analysis of Pap smear microscopic images using the K-means and J48 algorithms
Authors: Hadianti Sri , Riana Dwiza
Published: June 2021

A Pap smear is used to early detection cervical cancer. This study proposes the segmentation and analysis method of Pap smear cells images using the K-means algorithm so that cytoplasmic cells, nuclear cells, and inflammatory cells can be segmented automatically. The results of the feature analysis from the cytoplasmic, nuclear, and inflammatory cell images were classified using the J48 algorithm with 37 training data. The training resulted in an accuracy of 94.594 %, precision of 95 %, and sensitivity of 94.6 %. The classification of 24 testing images resulted in an accuracy of 91.6%, a precision of 92.5 %, and a sensitivity of 91.7 %.
A galvanic-based dissolved oxygen level monitoring sensor system in freshwater ponds
Authors: Wicaksono Damar , Bhakti Tatag Lindu , Taruno Restiadi Bayu , Subroto Melvin Rahma Sayuga , Mustikasari Anita
Published: June 2021

This study aims to develop low-cost and environmentally friendly material galvanic-based dissolved oxygen sensors. A Dissolved oxygen (DO) sensor has been designed and fabricated on an 85 x 205 mm galvanic-based. The sensor structure device consists of Al-Zn reference layer electrode, Ag/AgCl active electrode, 120ml KCl electrolyte solvent 0,1 M, and closed by TiO2 membrane (PTFE). The Al-Zn formation reference electrode was done by Ag layer chlorination using FeCl3, and the TiO2 membrane was formed by TiO2 paste screen printing. The test was done to measure the sensor’s performance based on the current-voltage characteristics between 1.0 and 1.8 V. The results showed that a stable diffusion current was obtained when the input voltage was 1.5 V, resulting in the best sensor performance with a sensitivity of 0.7866 μA L/mg and a stable step response time of 3 mins. This prototype sensor showed high potential for prototyping for a low-cost water quality monitoring system.
Translanguaging in a Chinese university CLIL classroom: Teacher strategies and student attitudes
Authors: Zhou Xiaozhou (Emily) , Mann Steve
Published: June 2021

Pedagogical translanguaging has been extensively researched over the past decade. Yet, little is known about the attitudes of students towards this practice. Students constitute an integral part of classroom interactions and their learning process is significantly affected by teachers’ classroom discourse. This action research (AR) study, situated in a Chinese university Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) reading classroom and aided by lesson recordings and two sets of questionnaires, explores the translanguaging strategies employed by the teacher as well as the students’ attitudes to such strategies. Through incorporating feedback collected from students regarding the teacher’s modifications of language use, the study has demonstrated how the teacher mobilizes her full linguistic resources, in the form of translanguaging, to achieve pedagogical outcomes, which eventually leads to the establishment of a mutually beneficial classroom ecology. The study also indicates that advanced EFL learners, highly motivated to improve language proficiency and acquire subject content unanimously reject the traditional monolingual approach to teaching. The findings call for further research into the impact of pedagogical translanguaging on students’ learning process in multilingual classrooms.
Review of Understanding formulaic language: A second language acquisition perspective; Editors: Anna Siyanova-Chanturia, Ana Pellicer-Sánchez; Publisher: Routledge, 2019; ISBN: 9781138634978; Pages: 278
Authors: Alhudithi Ella
Published: June 2021

The discussion of mechanisms enhancing the acquisition of formulaic language (FL) has been flourishing in recent decades, progressing from describing the concept to revealing its use in various registers: spoken, written, and hybrid. With each domain of linguistics approaching FL in a distinct way, the book Understanding Formulaic Language: A Second Language Acquisition Perspective by Anna Siyanova-Chanturia and Ana Pellicer-Sánchez presents a more inclusive view of recent research contributions emerging from different fields, in addition to pointing to critical gaps that need to be addressed in future research. The appeal of the book is that it covers a broad range of topics related to FL, from theoretical perspectives to practical applications. This breadth of coverage is the first effort to foster mutual understanding among linguists and to emphasize its connection with second language acquisition (SLA).
Review of Situating language learning strategy use: Present issues and future trends; Editors: Zoe Gavriilidou, Lydia Mitits; Publisher: Multilingual Matters, 2021; ISBN: 9781788926713; Pages: 376
Authors: Bielak Jakub
Published: June 2021

Despite recently going through a sort of a crisis brought about by critical remarks made by eminent scholars (e.g., Dörnyei, 2005) about the raison d’être of the whole research area, the field of language learning/learner strategies (LLSs) is still very much alive and kicking. This is manifested by constant publication of meta-analyses (e.g., Plonsky, 2011), numerous journal articles, including state-of-the-art pieces (e.g., Pawlak, 2019), special issues of journals (e.g., Pawlak & Oxford, 2018) and books (e.g., Oxford, 2017), and the organization of a conference series (Situating Strategy Use [SSU]), all devoted exclusively to LLSs. The book under review here, Situating Language Learning Strategy Use: Present Issues and Future Trends, edited by Zoe Gavriilidou and Lydia Mitits, includes chapters originating in the talks delivered at the Second International Conference on SSU (Komotini, Greece, September 2017).
Review of Teacher development for immersion and content-based instruction; Editors: Laurent Cammarata, T.J. Ó Ceallaigh; Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Company, 2018; ISBN: 97890272074877; Pages: 201
Authors: Papaja Katarzyna Lidia
Published: June 2021

Searching for ways to expand the spectrum of methods of teaching and learning foreign languages triggers valuable initiatives and offers support for both students and teachers. Programs such as French immersion in Canada, content-based instruction (CBI), and content and language integrated learning (CLIL) have become popular across the world (Harrop, 2012), which is rapidly becoming a global village where the role of languages is crucial. In an integrated world, teaching content through language is viewed as a modern form of educational delivery; therefore, as the editors emphasize “teacher preparation and professional development endeavors are key drivers of successful I/B and CBI programs across a variety of models” (p. 3). Teacher Development for Immersion and Content-Based Instruction is a key contribution to the field, which offers valuable insights into the complexity of teacher preparation as well as further professional development in the case of immersion/bilingual contexts.
The Government in SNA-Compliant DSGE Models
Authors: de-Córdoba Gonzalo F. , Molinari Benedetto , Torres José L.
Published: June 2021

The government size in developed economies expanded remarkably after the Second World War. This growth shaped the role of the government as a key player in the economic activity and the aggregate dynamics of a country. However, the way in which the government is represented in DSGE models is often reductive, containing homogeneous public spending and a few distortionary taxes without clear counterparts in fiscal data. This paper shows how dynamic general equilibrium models can incorporate a detailed government sector as defined in the System of National Accounts (SNA). This government features six types of public expenditures (i.e. the government’s intermediate consumption, public wage bill, debt service, public investment, and transfers to households both in-kind and other-than-in-kind), and five distortionary taxes (i.e. consumption tax, capital and labor income taxes, corporate tax and social contributions).
What (If Anything) Can Justify Basic Income Experiments? Balancing Costs and Benefits in Terms of Justice
Authors: Daemen Josette
Published: June 2021

The central thesis of this essay is that basic income experiments are justified if their expected benefits in terms of justice exceed their expected costs in terms of justice. The benefits are a function of basic income’s effect on the level of justice attained in the context in which it is implemented, and the experiment’s impact on future policy-making. The costs comprise the sacrifices made as a result of the experiment’s interventional character, as well as the study’s opportunity costs. In light of the proposed standard of justification for basic income experiments, the factors that play a role in it, and the way these interact with one another, this essay provides some practical recommendations for researchers hoping to conduct such an experiment.
Classification of impedance cardiography dZ/dt complex subtypes using pattern recognition artificial neural networks
Authors: Benouar Sara , Hafid Abdelakram , Kedir-Talha Malika , Seoane Fernando
Published: June 2021

In impedance cardiography (ICG), the detection of dZ/dt signal (ICG) characteristic points, especially the X point, is a crucial step for the calculation of hemodynamic parameters such as stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO). Unfortunately, for beat-to-beat calculations, the accuracy of the detection is affected by the variability of the ICG complex subtypes. Thus, in this work, automated classification of ICG complexes is proposed to support the detection of ICG characteristic points and the extraction of hemodynamic parameters according to several existing subtypes. A novel pattern recognition artificial neural network (PRANN) approach was implemented, and a divide-and-conquer strategy was used to identify the five different waveforms of the ICG complex waveform with output nodes no greater than 3. The PRANN was trained, tested and validated using a dataset from four volunteers from a measurement of eight electrodes. Once the training was satisfactory, the deployed network was validated on two other datasets that were completely different from the training dataset. As an additional performance validation of the PRANN, each dataset included four volunteers for a total of eight volunteers. The results show an average accuracy of 96% in classifying ICG complex subtypes with only a decrease in the accuracy to 83 and 80% on the validation datasets. This work indicates that the PRANN is a promising method for automated classification of ICG subtypes, facilitating the investigation of the extraction of hemodynamic parameters from beat-to-beat dZ/dt complexes.
Tribocorrosion Mechanisms of Martensitic Stainless Steels
Authors: Gassner A. , Waidelich L. , Palkowski H. , Wilde J. , Mozaffari-Jovein H.
Published: June 2021

In the present study, the influence of the electrochemical potential on the tribocorrosion behavior of X20Cr13 in 0.15 molar NaCl-solution was investigated with the aid of a universal-tribometer under potentiostatic control. The resulting material loss was determined through laser confocal microscopy, while the morphology of the wear tracks and the deformation of the material structure near the surface were observed using light and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed a clear dependence of the material loss and the wear mechanisms from the applied potential. Within the cathodic region, a small amount of the material degradation could be attributed to a strong adhesion and resulting strain hardening as a consequence of an electrochemical weakening and mechanical destruction of the passive layer. The maximum of wear during polarization at the free corrosion potential under friction was explained by galvanic coupling between the wear track and the passive surface near the stability threshold between Fe2+-Ion and Fe2O3development. Through increasing Polarization onto the free corrosion potential in the absence of friction and into the passive region, a decrease in material loss could be observed which is presumably attributed to the stable passive layer that inhibits electrochemical degradation and favors the formation of a grain refinement zone that slows down mechanical destruction.
The effect of electroplating current density on microstructure, corrosion, and wear behavior of Ni–P–W–TiO2 coating
Authors: Sadeghi Sajjad , Ebrahimifar Hadi
Published: June 2021

The use of ceramic particles in the matrix of alloy coatings during the electroplating process has received considerable attention. These particles can create properties such as high corrosion resistance, insolubility, high-temperature stability, strong hardness, and self-lubrication capability. Herein, an Ni–P–W–TiO2 coating was deposited on an AISI 304L steel substrate using the electroplating method. Electroplating was performed at current densities of 10, 15, 20, and 25 mA · cm–2, and the effect of current density on microstructure, corrosion behavior, and wear behavior was investigated. The coatings were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy. To investigate corrosion resistance, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests were performed in a 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution. A pin-on-disk test was conducted to test the wear resistance of uncoated and coated samples. Sample micro-hardness was also measured by Vickers hardness testing. Examination of the microstructure revealed that the best coating was produced at a current density of 20 mA · cm–2. The results of potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests were consistent with microscopic images. The coating created at the current density of 20 mA · cm–2 had the highest corrosion resistance compared to other coated and non-coated samples. Furthermore, the results of the wear test showed that increasing the current density of the electroplating path up to 20 mA · cm–2 enhances micro-hardness and wear resistance.
Genome analyses and androgen quantification for an infant with 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency
Authors: Akiba Kazuhisa , Aso Keiko , Hasegawa Yukihiro , Fukami Maki
Published: June 2021

Objectives

5α-reductase type 2 deficiency due to biallelic SRD5A2 variants is a common form of 46,XY disorders of sex development.

Case presentation

A Chinese neonate presented with ambiguous genitalia. He carried a homozygous likely_pathogenic SRD5A2 variant (c.650C>A, p.A217E). His apparently nonconsanguineous parents were heterozygotes for the variant. The variant has previously been identified in two Chinese patients. Our patient carried 14.2 Mb loss-of-heterogeneity regions distributed in the genome. The SRD5A2 variant in this family was invariably coupled with two polymorphisms in exon 1 and intron 1. In the patient, blood testosterone (T)/5α-dihydrotestosterone (5αDHT) ratios were elevated before and during mini puberty, and were higher when measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) than measured by conventional immune assays.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for the founder effect of an SRD5A2 variant. Furthermore, our data indicate that there is a need to establish a new reference value for T/5αDHT ratios using LC-MS/MS.
Auto-destruction of the thyroid gland and coexisting glutamic acid decarboxylase mediated neurological disease in an adolescent: an unusual presentation of autoimmunity
Authors: Badrinath Murthy Deepa , Gutierrez Alvarez Ana , Vargas Wendy , Litao Melissa Kaori Silva , Shah Bina
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is characterized by lymphocytic thyroid infiltration. Gradual thyroid failure can occur due to thyroid cell apoptosis. Rarely neurological autoimmunity due to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antigen can co exist with HT.

Case presentation

A seven-year-old male presented with tiredness, weight loss, frequent falls, tachycardia, firm thyromegaly, and abnormal gait. Biochemical markers and thyroid ultrasound (TUS) showed autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Methimazole (MMI) was started and continued for 2.2 years. MRI brain was normal and neurological symptoms resolved. At nine years, he became hypothyroid and levothyroxine (LT4) was started. Serial TUS showed progressive thyroid atrophy. At 14.8 years, he developed epilepsy and fourth cranial nerve palsy, and diagnosed with GAD-65 central nervous system disease. At 15.3 years, TUS showed complete atrophy of right lobe with involuting left lobe volume.

Conclusions

This is an unusual form of atrophic thyroiditis (AT) with coexisting neurological autoimmunity. GAD-65 CNS autoimmunity should be considered in children with AT presenting with neurological signs.
Quantitation and evaluation of perinatal medium-chain and long-chain acylcarnitine blood concentrations in 12,000 full-term breastfed newborns
Authors: Manta-Vogli Penelope D. , Schulpis Kleopatra H. , Loukas Yannis L. , Dotsikas Yannis
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Medium-chain (MCA) and long-chain acylcarnitine (LCA) blood concentrations play a significant role in the fatty acid (FA) oxidation process, especially during the first days of life. Identification of their abnormal concentrations, via expanded newborn screening, can lead to the diagnosis of FA oxidation disorders. This study aimed to demonstrate MCA and LCA concentrations in Dried Blood Spots (DBS) of full-term breastfed infants, in relation to their birth weight (BW) perinatally.

Methods

Breastfed full-term infants (n = 12,000, 6,000 males, 6,000 females) with BW 2,000–3,999 g were divided into four equal groups: Group A, 2,000–2,499 g, B 2,500–2,999 g, C 3,000–3,499 g, and D 3,500–3,999 g. Samples were collected as DBS and acylcarnitines were determined via a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method.

Results

MCA and LCA blood concentrations were determined significantly lower in group A (low birth weight infants) in both sexes. Infants with BW > 3,500 g (group D), were characterized by lower levels of C10, C10:1, C14, C14:1 acylcarnitines and higher levels of C16 and C18:1 acylcarnitines, as compared to the other groups of this study.

Conclusions

Concentration patterns in full-term breastfed newborns in relation to sex and mainly BW found in this study could be very helpful for neonatologists, especially for newborns of group A.
Growth hormone treatment and bone mineral density in pediatric patients with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Oto Yuji , Murakami Nobuyuki , Inoue Takeshi , Matsubara Keiko , Saima Sohei , Ogata Hiroyuki , Ihara Hiroshi , Nagai Toshiro , Matsubara Tomoyo
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Previous reports indicate that growth hormone (GH) treatment for Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) improves bone mineral density (BMD) only when initiated at a young age and not when initiated in adulthood. However, there are no data on BMD during long-term GH treatment of Japanese children and adolescents with PWS. Thus, this study aimed to investigate BMD changes among patients with PWS, who were undergoing GH treatment from childhood to adolescence.

Methods

Sixty-seven pediatric patients with PWS who had GH treatment initiated during childhood between January 2003 and June 2020 were evaluated. To avoid underestimation, we used total body BMD, which was evaluated using dual-X-ray absorptiometry adjusted for the BMD z-score using patient height, sex, and age.

Results

In both sexes, age was negatively correlated with the BMD-standard deviation score (SDS) (male: r=−0.156 [p=0.042]; female: r=−0.197 [p=0.043]), which started to decrease in childhood.

Conclusions

The BMD-SDS of patients with PWS decreases gradually despite GH treatment. As there are no clear recommendations about monitoring of bone health in patients with PWS, further studies are needed to improve the guidelines for screening of BMD and treatment of patients with PWS.
The clinical variations and diagnostic challenges of deoxyguanosine kinase deficiency: a descriptive case series
Authors: Doğulu Neslihan , Tuna Kırsaçlıoğlu Ceyda , Köse Engin , Ünlüsoy Aksu Aysel , Kuloğlu Zarife , Kansu Aydan , Eminoğlu Fatma Tuba
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Deoxyguanosine kinase (DGUOK) deficiency is one of the leading causes of the mitochondrial DNA-depletion syndromes (MDDS) associated with hepatocerebral involvement. Herein, we present four cases of DGUOK deficiency to emphasize the clinical variability of disease and the challenges in the diagnosis of DGUOK deficiency.

Case presentation

Hepatomegaly, hyperlactatemia, elevated alpha fetoprotein (AFP), alanine, and transaminase levels were detected in all patients, and cholestasis, coagulopathy, and hypotonia were common findings. All patients had a low birth weight, one patient underwent liver transplantation (LT). Clinical and laboratory findings of two patients and one patient suggested neonatal hemochromatosis and type 1 tyrosinemia, respectively. All patients were diagnosed with DGUOK deficiency by performing molecular genetic analysis.

Conclusions

Mitochondrial DNA-depletion syndromes should be kept in mind in cases in which hypotonicity, lactic acidosis, and neonatal cholestasis are observed. DGUOK deficiency may present in different clinics suggesting neonatal hemochromatosis or tyrosinemia type 1.
Pregnancy in incarcerated women: need for national legislation to standardize care
Authors: Nair Smriti , McGreevy James E. , Hutchinson-Colas Juana , Turock Heather , Chervenak Frank , Bachmann Gloria
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This review examined prenatal care provided to incarcerated women to identify areas where improvement is needed, and examined current legislative gaps such that they can be addressed to ensure uniform templates of care be instituted at women’s prisons.

Methods

Data were compiled from 2000-2021 citations in PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords: prison AND prenatal care AND pregnancy.

Results

Although the right to health care of inmates is protected under the Eight Amendment to the United States Constitution, the literature suggests that prenatal care of incarcerated individuals is variable and would benefit from uniform federal standards. Inconsistency in reporting requirements has created a scarcity of data for this population, making standardization of care difficult. Although incarceration may result in improved access to care that women may not have had in their community, issues of shackling, inadequate prenatal diet, lack of access to comprehensive mental health management, and poor availability of opioid use disorder (OUD) management such as Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) amd Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP), history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are just a few areas that must be focused on in prenatal care. After birth, mother-baby units (MBU) to enhance maternal-fetal bonding also should be a prison standard.

Conclusions

In addition to implementing templates of care specifically directed to this subgroup of women, standardized state and federal legislation are recommended to ensure that uniform standards of prenatal care are enforced and also to encourage the reporting of data regarding pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in correctional facilities.
Migration, Poverty, the Role of State, (International) Law and Development in the Industrialised Countries of Europe
Authors: Ikejiaku Brian-Vincent
Published: June 2021

The current radical strategies by which there is, on one hand, an increasing European assistance to developing poor countries of Africa/Middle East and on the other hand, tightened border-security within Europe as a means to reduce migration from the South; may worsen the state of poverty in Europe, particularly on the immigrants and impact on the workforce in Europe with implication on development. Though, these strategies may sound radically appealing, they are however, unlikely to reduce migration flows to Europe. While there is still a “wide development gap” between the poor countries of Africa/Middle East and industrialised countries of Europe, migration will often increase, at least in the next two-three decades. Radical border security in Europe will expose the migrants to human trafficking in different form and manifestation contrary to Article 3 UN Protocol on Trafficking in Person. The paper examines the role of the State and Law and development, in addressing the issues of poverty and migration within the industrialised countries of Europe. The research argues that there is the likelihood that poverty and human right issues will increase in Europe in the near-future, if the State/EU fails to play their role, by changing their policy direction and repositioning themselves by improving their Law and development stance. The research employs the human rights-based approach, interdisciplinary and critical-analytical perspective within the framework of international Law and development. It employs qualitative empirical evidence from developed countries of Europe and poor developing countries for analysis.
Record of bats and their echolocation calls from southern Dolakha, central Nepal
Authors: Rai Varsha , Thapa Sanjan , Chalise Prahesh , Shah Karan Bahadur
Published: June 2021

With 52 species, bats make up almost a quarter of all the mammal species in Nepal, and yet remains the least understudied group of mammals. Owing to its diverse geography and climate, more species of bats potentially occur in the country, and acoustic surveys could improve the knowledge of their ecology. So, a study was conducted in Sailung and Melung Rural Municipalities of Dolakha district of Nepal, with the objectives of assessing bat species richness and preparing digital records of their echolocation calls. Using mist-netting and roost survey during three periods in 2018 (late March, late May to early June and mid-November), 10 species of bats were recorded: Cynopterus sphinx, Lyroderma lyra, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Rhinolophus luctus, Rhinolophus pearsonii, Rhinolophus sinicus, Hipposideros armiger, Myotis formosus, Myotis sp. and Nyctalus noctula. Ten roosts (mostly caves) were located. Echolocation calls of six of these species were documented, including signals of three species described for the first time in Nepal. This study also reports the fifth record of Myotis formosus in Nepal and new locality record of the species after two decades. The echolocation calls documented hereafter may serve as a reference for species identification for non-invasive studies of bats.
lncRNA MALAT1 regulated ATAD2 to facilitate retinoblastoma progression via miR-655-3p
Authors: Zhao Yuxin , Wang Zhaoxia , Gao Meili , Wang Xuehong , Feng Hui , Cui Yuanyuan , Tian Xia
Published: June 2021

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) was reported as an oncogene in many tumors including retinoblastoma (RB). This research mainly focused on the functions and mechanism of MALAT1 in RB. MALAT1 was upregulated in RB tissues and cells, and it served as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and inhibited miRNA-655-3p (miR-655-3p) expression, which eventually regulated the expression of miR-655-3p downstream target ATPase Family AAA Domain Containing 2 (ATAD2). The level of ATAD2 significantly increased, while that of miR-655-3p remarkably decreased in RB tissues and cells. MALAT1 depletion inhibited cell proliferation, metastasis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), but promoted apoptosis in vitro and blocked xenograft tumor growth in vivo. MALAT1 exerted its oncogenic functions in RB by regulating miR-655-3p/ATAD2 axis.