bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNDERSTANDING INTERNAL CONNECTIONS OF MUSIC FESTIVALS’ EXPERIENCE DIMENSIONS
Authors: Iványi Tamás , Bíró-Szigeti Szilvia
Published: December 2020

Purpose – For Generation Z (born after 1995) tourism during the summer usually means visiting festivals (especially music festivals) or seeking for extraordinary experiences. For them, the classical tourist attractions are not satisfying and interesting anymore. The aim of the paper is to examine experience factors based on models from the literature review and understand the internal connections among the experience dimensions in the case of music festivals in Hungary. Design / Methodology / Approach – For testing the suggested model based on the literature review and previous researches, a quantitative primary research was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used focusing on five factors of experience economy in case of Hungarian music festivals. The data was collected by an online survey via LimeSurvey, and PLS-SEM path analysis was used to interpret the acquired data. Findings – As a result of the quantitative research significant connection appear among the five experience factors in the field of festivals like other previous researches suggested in other fields. Education, entertainment and escapism experience can be built on aesthetics and economic value – the fifth experience factor – can be built on these four factors. Originality of the research – Knowing how experience factors are based on each other and how they can influence each other is an important factor for festival managers to create an optimal and balanced mix of experience for visitors. By achieving this memorable experience and long lasting memories of the event can be reached.
Moć bez odgovornosti
Authors: Nenadić Iva
Published: December 2020

Rad sadržava pregled politika vodećih online-platformi u borbi protiv dezinformacija i infodemije kako bi se promislile njihove moguće izravne ili neizravne, kratkoročne ili dugoročne posljedice za medijski pluralizam i informirano građanstvo, uzimajući u obzir značenje platformi u oblikovanju informacijskog okruženja. Metoda istraživanja je analiza dokumenata koje su odabrane platforme objavile od početka koronakrize u veljači do 31. srpnja 2020. kako bi komunicirale promjene svojih politika moderacije sadržaja kao posljedicu te krize. Uključena su i izvješća, koja su u kolovozu 2020. dostavile Europskoj komisiji, o mjerama koje su primijenile kako bi ograničile širenje dezinformacija povezanih s bolešću COV ID-19. Analiza sugerira da su platforme nedvojbeno poduzele niz potencijalno korisnih mjera kako bi odgovorile na izazove širenja lažnih, obmanjujućih i štetnih informacija u pandemiji, ali gotovo svaka od tih mjera sadržava i potencijalan rizik za slobodu izražavanja i medijski pluralizam. Ti rizici ne proizlaze toliko iz samih inicijativa koliko iz nedostatka regulatornog okvira i neravnoteže između odgovornosti i moći koju platforme posjeduju.
Preliminary Study on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Poplar Wood Modified by Waterborne Glucose Silicone Resin
Authors: Liu Qiangqiang , Du Haojia , Lyu Wenhua
Published: December 2020

In order to improve the performance of soft plantation wood, an environmentally friendly inorganic-organic hybrid wood modifier was developed. First, using urea and melamine as crosslinking agents, the waterborne glucose silicone resin (MUG) was prepared with glucose under the catalysis of inorganic acid and metal ions. Then MUG resin was diluted to 10% and 20% mass fraction, and compounded with sodium silicate (S) of 20% and 10% mass fraction, so the inorganic-organic hybrid G10S20 and G20S10 wood modifier were obtained respectively. Then plantation poplar wood (Populus tomentosa) were impregnated and modified with them. Their physical and mechanical properties were tested and compared with those of the wood treated with S of 20% mass fraction (S20). Infrared analysis showed that amino resin characteristic structure (CO-NH-) existed in MUG resin. The resin has good permeability. Compared with S20 modified wood, the degree of shrinkage of G10S20 or G20S10 modified wood is reduced, their moisture absorption is reduced, and their dimensional stability is improved. Waterborne glucose silicone modifier can effectively improve the wood density, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rapture and compression strength. SEM analysis showed that the cell wall of G20S10 modified wood was significantly thicker than the untreated wood, and there were columnar and granular solid substances attached in some cell cavities, ducts and corners, etc. EDX showed that the number of Si elements on the cell wall was significantly increased compared with the control, indicating that the modifier effectively entered the wood cell wall. The waterborne glucose silicone resin can greatly improve the physical and mechanical properties of wood through organic-inorganic hybridization. It is a green, non-formaldehyde, eco-friendly, low cost, compound wood modifier with broad application prospects.
Microbial Quality of Frozen Chicken Parts from three Import Countries into the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana
Authors: Dekugmen Yar Denis , K. J. Kwenin William , Kwame Zanu Winfred , Iddrisu Balali Gadafi , Kwame Adepa Enos , Gyapong Francis
Published: December 2020

Background: There is an upsurge in the consumption of chicken meat leading to a high influx of imported frozen chicken parts into the Ghanaian markets with little information on their microbial qualities. This study examined the microbial quality of imported frozen chicken parts from three major import countries (USA, the Netherlands and Brazil) into the Kumasi Metropolis. Methods: A total of 45 chicken meat parts of 15 thighs, wings and backs from wholesale cold stores market in the Kumasi Metropolis were randomly sampled for laboratory examinations. A ten-fold serial dilution was performed on each homogenized chicken parts to determine microbiological quality using Plate Count Agar [1], MacConkey Agar (MCA), Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) and Desoxycholate Citrate Agar (DCA) for the total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), Staphylococcus and Salmonella spp counts respectively incubated at 37oC for 48 hours. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) was used for fungal counts. We identified bacterial and fungal isolates using appropriate laboratory and biochemical tests. Descriptive data analysis was carried using SPSS-IBM version 16. Results: Mean TVCs of 5.93, 5.98 and 6.14 log10cfu/g were recorded for frozen chicken meats from the USA, the Netherlands and Brazil respectively. Means TCCs of 6.14, 5.93 and 5.98 log10cfu/g were obtained for chicken meats from Brazil, USA and the Netherlands respectively. Staphylococcus spp. (35.4%), E. coli (26.2%), Salmonella spp. (24.6%), and Klebsiella spp. (13.8%) were isolated with Aspergillus spp (33.3%), Rhizopus spp (27.3%), Penicillin spp (24.2%), and Cladosporium spp (15.2%). Chicken thighs, backs and wings recorded 46.2%, 29.2% and 24.6% bacterial contaminants in this order. Bacterial isolates of 49.2%, 28.8% and 22.0% were recorded in frozen chicken meat products from Brazil, the Netherlands USA respectively. Conclusion: The results suggest that imported frozen chicken meats into the Ghanaian market have moderate quality with potential pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella spp.
Process Simulation and Techno-Economic Analysis of Large-Scale Bioproduction of Sweet Protein Thaumatin II
Authors: Kelada Kirolos , Tusé Daniel , Gleba Yuri , McDonald Karen , Nandi Somen
Published: December 2020

There are currently worldwide efforts to reduce sugar intake due to the various adverse health effects linked with the overconsumption of sugars. Artificial sweeteners have been used as an alternative to nutritive sugars in numerous applications; however, their long-term effects on human health remain controversial. This led to a shift in consumer preference towards non-caloric sweeteners from natural sources. Thaumatins are a class of intensely sweet proteins found in arils of the fruits of the West-African plant Thaumatococcus danielli. Thaumatins’ current production method through aqueous extraction from this plant and uncertainty of the harvest from tropical rainforests limits its supply while the demand is increasing. Despite successful recombinant expression of the protein in several organisms, no large-scale bioproduction facilities exist. We present preliminary process design, process simulation, and economic analysis for a large-scale (50 metric tons/year) production of thaumatin II variant by several different molecular farming platforms.
Intensification of the educational process of higher educational institutions by tools of interactive technologies
Authors: Oleh Khmiliar , Olha Kasnytska , Renate Vainola , Zechen Xi , Iryna Kravchenko
Published: December 2020

Intensification of the educational process of a higher educational institution by tools of interactive technologies (IT) is studied in terms of efficiency of distance learning platforms. A good deal more IT tools are integrated into the educational process than platforms, the main function of which is the exchange of materials, task supervision, registration of activity and attendance. Within the scope of on the survey and data analysis of the Moodle platform for the period from September to January 2019 (230 students and 8 educators of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv from the following faculties have been involved, namely: economic, financial and business management, international relations of the 2nd year of study). The scale of intensification of the educational process due to the integration of different types of IT has been estimated. The analysis of users’ activities of the distance learning platform has been carried out. An improvement of the communication level, self-monitoring, assessment, reducing time for preparation of materials, as well as increasing the efficiency of tasks’ performance has been revealed. Increasing the level of attendance and increasing the level of control and responsibility are the most common manifestations of the intensification of the educational process. The reduction in the time for obtaining and searching for materials and saving in the time for preparing materials by educators has been recorded. As a result, there was a significant reduction of time for the course’s organization. The educators have given higher assessment of the intensification of the educational process in terms of using IT tools compared to students’ assessment. However, students’ assessments of the processing of materials and tasks’ performance are higher compared to the assessments of educators; it characterizes a certain level of subjectivity of students in assessing their own educational activities. The results obtained can be used to theorize the experience of using IT in the organization of the educational process of higher educational institutions, as well as for further experimental research in this area in order to reveal effective models of “teacher / student” interaction and search for effective ways to intensify the educational process of higher educational institutions in the paradigm of introducing distance education in the realities of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Peran Guru Dalam Mengembangkan Kecerdasan Musikal Anak Usia Dini Melalui Kegiatan Ekstrakurikuler Drumband Di Tk Muslimat Nu 001 Ponorogo
Authors: Mahmudah Amin , Rohmah Umi
Published: December 2020

Abstract: Musical intelligence of a child's ability to store notes, remember rhythm and be emotionally affected by music. The development of musical intelligence is one of them by the drumband extracurricular activities. This study aims to: (1). know the role of the teacher as a facilitator in developing early childhood musical intelligence through Drumband Extracurricular activities at Muslimat Nu 001 Ponorogo Kindergarten. (2). know the role of the teacher as a guide in developing musical intelligence of Early Childhood through Drumband Extracurricular activities at Muslimat Nu 001 Ponorogo Kindergarten. This research uses a qualitative approach with case study research. The technique used in collecting data is to use observation, interview, and documentation techniques. While the data analysis technique used is to use the Milles Hiberman technique. The results of this study are (1) the teacher's role as a facilitator is as a provider of the tools needed during the exercise and checking the condition of the tools. (2) the teacher's role as a guide in is to provide guidance and train children in the technique of punching in accordance with the tempo, training and accustoming children to discipline in drum exercises.
Preventing Peterson’s space Hernia Using a Bio Synthetic Mesh
Authors: Skidmore Adam Peter , Aarts Edo O
Published: December 2020

BackgroundInternal hernias occur after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery (RYGB) when small bowel herniates into the intermesenteric spaces that have been created. The closure technique used is related to the internal hernia risks outcomes. Using a non-resorbable double layered suture, this risk can be significantly reduced from 8.9 to 2.5% in the first three postoperative years. By closing over a BIO mesh, the risk might be reduced even more.SettingTwo large private hospitals specialized in bariatric surgery.MethodsAll patients receiving a RYGB for (morbid) obesity between 2014 and 2018 were included in this retrospective study. In all patients, the entero-enterostomy (EE) was closed using a double layered non-absorbable suture. In 2014, Peterson’s space was closed exclusively using glue, the years hereafter in a similar fashion as the EE, combined with a piece of glued BIO Mesh.ResultsThe glued RYGB patients showed 25% of patients with an internal hernia (14%) or open Peterson’s space compared to 0.5% of patients (p<0.001) who had a combined sutured and BIO Mesh Closure of their Peterson’s space defect. Although this was an ideal technique for Peterson’s space, it led to 1% of entero-enterostomy kinking due to the firm adhesion formation.ConclusionGluing the intermesenteric spaces is not beneficial but placing a BIO Mesh in Peterson’s space is a promising new technique to induce local adhesions. It is above all safe, effective and led to an almost complete reduction of Peterson’s internal herniations. In the future, a randomized controlled trial comparing this technique to a double layered, non-absorbable suture should give more insights into which is the optimal closure technique.
Reablement through time and space: A scoping review of how the concept of ‘reablement’ for older people has been defined and operationalised
Authors: Clotworthy Amy , Kusumastuti Sasmita , Westendorp Rudi GJ
Published: December 2020

Background: While the field of rehabilitation has determined a common definition of professional practice, legislators and healthcare professionals in various Western countries have struggled to reach consensus about how the newer offer of ‘reablement’ should be organised, operationalised, and understood as a health service for older adults. International research indicates that there is confusion, ambiguity, and disagreement about the terminology and the structure of these programmes, and they may not be adequately supporting older people’s self-identified goals. Could an analysis of the concept’s genealogy illuminate how reablement can be more effective and beneficial in theory and in practice?Methods: We conducted a qualitative and quantitative scoping review to determine how reablement has developed through time and space. Eligible articles (n=86) had to focus on any of the defined features of current reablement programmes; there were no restrictions on study designs or publication dates. In articles published from 1947–2019, we identified themes and patterns, commonalities, and differences in how various countries described and defined reablement. We also performed an analysis using computer software to construct and visualise term maps based on significant words extracted from the article abstracts.Results: The fundamental principles of reablement have a long history. However, these programmes have undergone a widespread expansion since the mid-2000s with an intention to reduce costs related to providing long-term care services and in-home assistance to growing older populations. Despite theoretical aspirations to offer person-centred and goal-directed reablement, few countries have been able to implement programmes that adequately promote older people’s goals, social involvement, or participation in their local community in a safe, culturally sensitive and adaptable way. Conclusions: Reablement is meant to support older people in attaining their self-defined goals to be both more physically independent at home and socially involved in their communities. However, until legislators, health professionals, and older people can collectively reach consensus about how person-centred reablement can be more effectively implemented and supported in professional homecare practice, it will be difficult to determine a conceptual description of reablement as a service that is unique, separate, and distinct from standard rehabilitation.
Evaluation of Role of Hyperbilirubinemia as a New Diagnostic Marker of Complicated Appendicitis.
Authors: Bakshi Sabyasachi , Mandal Nilay
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:In appendicitis, elevated intra-luminal pressure and ischemic necrosis of mucosa causes tissue gangrene or perforation. This leads to cytotoxin facilitated progressive bacterial invasion or translocation into the hepatic parenchyma through portal system. This phenomenon interferes with the bilirubin excretion into the bile canaliculi.In the present study, establishment of a possible role of hyperbilirubinemia as a marker of gangrenous/perforated appendicitis has been studied.METHODS:After matching the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all cases of clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis were taken for this prospective, single center, observational study. Per-operative diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination.RESULTS:Out of 110 subjects of acute appendicitis 41 subjects (37.27%) had hyperbilirubinemia. Out of 35 subjects diagnosed as complicated appendicitis 32 subjects (91.42%) had raised total bilirubin levels, while the remaining 03(8.58%) had normal levels .Among 75 subjects diagnosed as acute simple appendicitis 09 subjects (12%) had raised total bilirubin level, while the remaining 66 subjects (88%) had normal levels .It was Mixed Type Of Hyperbilirubinemia in gangrenous/perforated appendicitis.The sensitivity of Total serum bilirubin in predicting complicated appendicitis was found 91.43% (76.942% to 98.196%), where as the specificity of this test was 88.00% (78.439% to 94.363%). positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 78.03% and 95.65% respectively.Positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were found to be 7.619 and 0.097 respectively taking prevalence of Complicated appendicitis be 31.80%.ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve was obtained which shows optimal criterion at Total Bilirubin Level 1.06 mg/dl where sensitivity was 91.43% and specificity was 97.33% at 95% confidence interval with 31.8% disease prevalence.CONCLUSIONS:This is to conclude that Serum bilirubin level estimation, which is a simple, cheap and easily available laboratory test, can be added to the routine investigations in clinically suspected cases of acute appendicitis for early diagnosis of complications.Trial Registration: Registered with Clinical Trials Registry-India (ICMR-NIMS) with Registration number CTRI/2019/05/018879 Dated 01/05/2019. Trial URL: http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=33113&EncHid=99780.32960&modid=1&compid=19%27,%2733113det%27
­Scaffolding Depth Cues and Perceptual Learning in VR to Train Stereovision: A Proof of Concept Pilot Study
Authors: Godinez Angelica , Martín-González Santiago , Ibarrondo Oliver , Levi Dennis
Published: December 2020

Stereopsis is a valuable feature of human visual perception, which may be impaired or absent in amblyopia and/or strabismus but can be improved through perceptual learning (PL) and videogames. The development of consumer virtual reality (VR) may provide a useful tool for improving stereovision. We report a proof of concept study, especially useful for strabismic patients and/or those with reduced or null stereoacuity. Our novel VR PL strategy is based on a principled approach which included aligning and balancing the perceptual input to the two eyes, dichoptic tasks, exposure to large disparities, scaffolding depth cues and perception for action. We recruited ten adults with normal vision and ten with binocular impairments. Participants played two novel PL games (DartBoard and Halloween) using a VR-HMD. Each game consisted of three depth cue scaffolding conditions, starting with non-binocular and binocular cues to depth and ending with only binocular disparity. All stereo-anomalous participants improved in the game and most (9/10) showed transfer to clinical and psychophysical stereoacuity tests (mean stereoacuity changed from 569 to 296 arc seconds, p<0.0001). Stereo-normal participants also showed in-game improvement, which transferred to psychophysical tests (mean stereoacuity changed from 23 to a ceiling value of 20 arc seconds, p=0.001). We conclude that a VR PL approach based on depth cue scaffolding may provide a useful method for improving stereoacuity, and the in-game performance metrics may provide useful insights into principles for effective treatment of stereo anomalies.
A porcine brain-wide RNA editing landscape
Authors: Huang Jinrong , Lin Lin , Dong Zhanying , Yang Ling , Zheng Tianyu , Gu Weiwang , Zhang Yan , Yin Tailang , Sjöstedt Evelina , Mulder Jan , Uhlen Mathias , Kristiansen Karsten , Bolund Lars , Luo Yonglun
Published: December 2020

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, catalyzed by ADAR enzymes, is an essential post-transcriptional modiﬁcation. Although hundreds of thousands of RNA editing sites have been reported in mammals, brain-wide analysis of the RNA editing in the mammalian brain remains rare. Here, a genome-wide RNA editing investigation is performed in 119 samples, representing 30 anatomically defined subregions in the pig brain. We identify a total of 682,037 A-to-I RNA editing sites of which 97% are not identified before. Within the pig brain, cerebellum and olfactory bulb are regions with most edited transcripts. The editing level of sites residing in protein-coding regions are similar across brain regions, whereas region-distinct editing is observed in repetitive sequences. Highly edited conserved recoding events in pig and human brain are found in neurotransmitter receptors, demonstrating the evolutionary importance of RNA editing in neurotransmission functions. The porcine brain-wide RNA landscape provides a rich resource to better understand the evolutionally importance of post-transcriptional RNA editing.
Bistatic Scattering Simulations of Circular and Linear Polarizations Over Land Surface for Signals of Opportunity Reflectometry
Authors: Wu Xuerui , Xu Jin , Duan Zheng , Jin Shuanggen , Song Yezhi
Published: December 2020

Signals of Opportunity (SoOp) Reflectometry employs the communication system,GNSS(Global Navigation Satellite System) constellation and other potential Signals of Opportunity as the transmitters .In recent years, it has gained increased interests. Several experiments have been carried out, however it is still in the initial development stage. Theoretical predictions of SoOp Reflectometry for land surface parameters detection, such as soil moisture and vegetation biomass, should be carried out simultaneously. Meanwhile, at present less works are paid attention to the polarization study of the polarizations. The first-order transfer equation modelmodels are employed here and they are developed according to the wave synthesis technique to get the various polarization combinations. Using the two models as analysis tools, we simulate the bistatic scattering at all potential SoOp Reflectometry bands, i.e P-,L-,C- and X-band for circular polarizations and linear polarizations. While the orginal commonly used microwave scattering models are linear polarizations, here we compare the difference. Although the models can simulate bistatic scattering at any incident angles and scattering angles. Four special observation geometry are taken into considerations during the analysis. By using the developed models as tools, the developed models establish the relationship between the land surface parameters(such as soil moisture, soil roughness and vegetation water content, diameters et al.) and bistatic radar cross section. The forward scattering models developed here enables the understanding of the effects of different geophysical parameters and transmitter-receiver observation scenarios on the bisatic scattering at any polarization combinations for any potential SoOP reflectometry bands. Robust retrieval methods for soil moisture and vegetation biomass can benefit from the forward scattering models.
Mediating role of prenatal depression in attachment and maternal-fetal attachment in primigravida in late pregnancy
Authors: Zhang Ling , Wang Lei , Yuan Qiuyu , Huang Cui , Cui Shu , Zhang Kai , Zhou Xiaoqin
Published: December 2020

Background: Prenatal depression and attachment are factors that affect the establishment of an intimate relationship between a mother and fetus. The study explored differences in prenatal depression and maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) scores between different type of attachment as well as the effects of maternal depression scores and attachment dimensions on maternal intimacy with fetus.Methods: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Experience of Close Relationship (ECR) scale, Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) and a general data scale were used to investigate 260 primigravida. Exploratory analysis was performed to analyze the effects of depression score and attachment on MFA.Results: The results showed that pregnant women with insecure attachment exhibited an increased prevalence of prenatal depression, lower total score of MFA and lower MFA quality compared with those women with secure attachment. Explorative analysis showed that depression score mediated the relationship between attachment avoidance and MFA quality.Conclusions: Primigravida who had insecure attachment exhibited an increased prevalence of prenatal depression and lower MFA. Maternal depression and attachment may affect the emotional bond between a mother and fetus. This finding should be taken seriously, and early intervention needs to take personality traits into consideration.
Design and Optimizations of a High-throughput Valve-based Microfluidic Device for Single Cell Compartmentalization and Analysis
Authors: Briones Jonathan , Espulgar Wilfred , Koyama Shohei , Takamatsu Hyota , Tamiya Eiichi , Saito Masato
Published: December 2020

The need for high throughput single cell screening platforms has been increasing with advancements in genomics and proteomics to identify heterogeneity, unique cell subsets or super mutants from thousands of cells within a population. For real-time monitoring of enzyme kinetics and protein expression profiling, valve-based microfluidics or pneumatic valving that can compartmentalize single cells is advantageous by providing on-demand fluid exchange capability for several steps in assay protocol and on-chip culturing. However, this technique is throughput limited by the number of compartments in the array. Thus, one big challenge lies in increasing the number of microvalves to several thousand that can be actuated in the microfluidic device to confine enzymes and substrates in picoliter volumes. This work explores the design and optimizations done on a microfluidic platform to achieve high-throughput single cell compartmentalization as applied to single-cell enzymatic assay for protein expression quantification. Design modeling through COMSOL Multiphysics was utilized to determine the circular microvalve’s optimized parameters, which can close thousands of microchambers in an array at lower sealing pressure. Multiphysical modeling results demonstrated the relationships of geometry, valve dimensions, and sealing pressure, which were applied in the fabrication of a microfluidic device comprising of up to 5000 hydrodynamic traps and corresponding microvalves. Comparing the effects of geometry, actuation media and fabrication technique, a sealing pressure as low as 0.04 MPa was achieved. Applying to single cell enzymatic assay, variations in granzyme B activity in Jurkat and human PBMC cells were observed. Improvement in the microfluidic chip’s throughput is significant in single cell analysis applications, especially in drug discovery and treatment personalization.
Quality of Life and Mental Health in Iranian Transgender Women: Socio-Demographic Differences
Authors: Nematollahi Azar , Gharibzadeh Safoora , Farnam Farnaz
Published: December 2020

Background: Mental health issues and quality of life are among the important items of the general health in all people, and especially in transgender people. The present study aimed to assess the quality of life, depression, anxiety, and stress in transgender women and determine the factors contributing to them. Methods: A cross-sectional study on 127 Iranian transgender women was performed from August 2019 to April 2020 using a convenience sampling method. The quality of life (QOL) was determined by using the WHO questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The DASS-21 questionnaire was employed to evaluate the anxiety, depression, and stress in the subjects. Results: 48% of the individuals had a moderate QOL. The highest score achieved in the physical health dimension, and the lowest score in the social relationships dimension. Depression, anxiety, and stress were severe and extremely severe in 22%, 20.4%, and 17.3% of the subjects. A significant relationship was observed between the overall perception of QOL and depression, anxiety, and stress (p <0.001).A significant positive association between the subscales of QOL and education and favorable economic status were observed among transgender women. Also, a significant negative correlation existed between the subscales of QOL with age and sexual violence. Regarding mental health, education had a significant relationship with reduced stress and anxiety, and favorable economic status had a significant relationship with reduced depression, while sexual violence was associated with increased stress in the individuals.Conclusion: The study results show that change in some modifiable variables such as education can improve transgender women’s quality of life and mental health by improving economic status. Moreover, there is also a strong need for developing sexual violence prevention services regarding its considerable effects on mental health and quality of life.
Genome-Wide Association Study on Blood Pressure Traits in the Iranian Population Suggests ZBED9 as A New Locus for Hypertension.
Authors: Kolifarhood Goodarz , Sabour Siamak , Akbarzadeh Mahdi , Sedaghati-khayat Bahareh , Guity Kamran , Dehkordi Saeid Rasekhi , Roudbar Mahmoud Amiri , Hadaegh Farzad , Azizi Fereidoun , Daneshpour Maryam
Published: December 2020

High blood pressure is the heritable risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Genome-wide association studies(GWAS) on blood pressure traits increase our understanding of its underlying genetic basis. However, a large proportion of GWAS was conducted in Europeans, and some roadblocks deprive other populations to benefit from their results. Iranians population with a high degree of genomic specificity has not been represented in international databases to date, so to fill the gap, we explored the effects of 652,919 genomic variants on Systolic Blood Pressure(SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure(DBP), and Hypertension(HTN) in 7,694 Iranian adults aged 18 and over from Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study(TCGS). We identified consistent signals on ZBED9 associated with HTN in the genome-wide borderline threshold after adjusting for two different sets of environmental predictors(P value=2.21×10-7). Moreover, strong signals on ABHD17C and suggestive signals on FBN1 were detected for DBP and SBP, respectively, while these signals were not consistent in different GWA analysis. Our finding on ZBED9 was confirmed for all BP traits by linkage analysis in an independent sample. Although there is no strong evidence to support the function of ZBED9 in blood pressure regulation, it provides new insight into the pleiotropic effects of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
Does Conservative Kidney Management Offer A quantity or Quality of Life Benefit Compared to Dialysis? A Systematic Review
Authors: Buur Louise , Madsen Jens , Eidemak Inge , Krarup Elizabeth , Lauridsen Thomas , Taasti Lena , Finderup Jeanette
Published: December 2020

Background Patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD5) collaborate with their clinicians when choosing their future treatment modality. Most elderly patients with CKD5 may only have two treatment options: dialysis or conservative kidney management (CKM). The objective of this systematic review is to investigate whether CKM offers a quantity or quality of life benefit compared to dialysis for some patients with CKD5.Methods The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies comparing patients with CKD5 treated with CKM or dialysis. The primary outcomes were survival and quality of life (QoL). Hospitalization, symptom burden, and place of death were secondary outcomes. For studies reporting hazard ratios, pooled values were calculated and forest plots conducted.Results Twenty-four primary studies, all observational, were identified. All studies except one reported shorter survival in patients treated with CKM (pooled hazard ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.41-0.69). For patients aged ≥ 80 years and for elderly individuals with comorbidities, results were ambiguous. In most studies, CKM seemed advantageous for QoL and secondary outcomes. Findings were limited by the heterogeneity of studies and biased outcomes favouring dialysis.Conclusions In general, patients with CKD5 live for a shorter time on CKM than on dialysis. In patients aged ≥ 80 years old, and in elderly individuals with comorbidities, the survival benefits of dialysis seem to be lost. Regarding QoL, symptom burden, hospitalization, and place of death, CKM may have advantages. Higher quality studies are needed to guide patients and clinicians in the decision-making process.
Nickel-Catalyzed Deaminative Sonogashira Coupling of Alkylpyridinium Salts Enabled by a New NN2 Pincer Ligand
Authors: Zhang Xingjie , Qi Di , Jiao Chenchen , Liu Xiaopan , Zhang Guisheng
Published: December 2020

Alkynes are amongst the most valuable functional groups in organic chemistry and widely used in chemical biology, pharmacy, and materials science. However, the preparation of alkyl-substituted alkynes still remains elusive. Herein, a novel transformation is disclosed that enables the coupling of terminal alkynes with alkylpyridinium salts under Ni-catalysis. Key to the success of this coupling was the development of a new and readily accessible amide-type pincer ligand. This ligand allows naturally abundant alkyl amines as alkylating agents in Sonogashira reactions for the first time, and leads to diverse alkynes in excellent yields under mild conditions. Salient merits of this chemistry include broad substrates scope and functional group tolerance, gram-scale synthesis, one-pot transformation, versatile late-stage derivatizations as well as the use of inexpensive pre-catalyst and readily available substrates. The high efficiency and strong practicability bode well for the widespread applications of this strategy in constructing functional molecules, materials, and fine chemicals.
Echocardiographic Myocardial Strain Analysis Describes Subclinical Cardiac Dysfunction after Craniospinal Irradiation in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients with Central Nervous System Tumors
Authors: Ryan Thomas D , Martinez Hugo R. , Salloum Ralph , Wright Erin , Bueche Lauren , Khoury Philip R. , Tretter Justin T.
Published: December 2020

Background: Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) is part of the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) tumors and is associated with cardiovascular disease in adults. Global myocardial strain analysis including longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS), circumferential peak systolic strain (GCS) and radial peak systolic strain (GRS) can reveal subclinical cardiac dysfunction.Methods: Retrospective, single-center study in patients managed with CSI vs. age-matched controls. Clinical data and echocardiography, including myocardial strain analysis, were collected at early (<12 months) and late ( 12 months) after completion of CSI.Results: Echocardiograms were available in 20 early and 34 late patients. Patients at the late time point were older (21.7±10.4 vs. 13.3 9.6 years), and further out from CSI (13.1±8.8 vs. 0.2±0.3 years). Standard echocardiographic parameters were normal for all subjects. For the early time, CSI vs. control: GLS was -16.8 3.6% vs. -21.3 4.0% (p=0.0002), GCS was -22.5 5.2% vs. -21.3 3.4% (p=0.28), and GRS was 21.8 11.0% vs. 26.9 7.7% (p=0.07). At the late time point, CSI vs. control: GLS was -16.2 5.4% vs. -21.6 3.7% (p<0.0001), GCS was -20.9 6.8% vs. -21.9 3.5% (p=0.42), and GRS was 22.5 10.0% vs. 27.3 8.3% (p=0.03). Radiation type (proton vs. photon), and radiation dose (<30 Gy vs. 30 Gy) did not impact any parameter.Conclusions: Subclinical cardiac systolic dysfunction by GLS is present both early and late after CSI. These results argue for inclusion of baseline cardiovascular assessment and early initiation of longitudinal follow-up post CSI.
Mining of Cyanobacterial Genomes Indicates That Plasmids Are Involved in the Production of Natural Products
Authors: Popin Rafael , Alvarenga Danillo , Castelo-Branco Raquel , Fewer David , Sivonen Kaarina
Published: December 2020

Background Microbial natural products have unique chemical structures and diverse biological activities. Cyanobacteria commonly possess a wide range of biosynthetic gene clusters to produce natural products. Several studies have mapped the distribution of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters in cyanobacterial genomes. However, little attention has been paid to natural product biosynthesis in plasmids. Some genes encoding cyanobacterial natural product biosynthetic pathways are believed to be dispersed by plasmids through horizontal gene transfer. Thus, we examined complete cyanobacterial genomes to assess if plasmids are involved in the production and dissemination of natural products by cyanobacteria.Results The 185 analyzed genomes possessed 1 to 42 gene clusters and an average of 10. In total, 1816 biosynthetic gene clusters were found. Approximately 95% of these clusters were present in chromosomes. The remaining 5% were present in plasmids, from which homologs of the biosynthetic pathways for aeruginosin, anabaenopeptin, ambiguine, cryptophycin, hassallidin, geosmin, and microcystin were manually curated. The cryptophycin pathway was previously described as active while the other gene cluster include all genes for biosynthesis. Approximately 12% of the 424 analyzed cyanobacterial plasmids contained homologs of genes involved in conjugation. Large plasmids, previously named as “chromids”, were also observed to be widespread in cyanobacteria. Sixteen cryptic natural product biosynthetic gene clusters and geosmin biosynthetic gene clusters were located in those mobile plasmids.Conclusion Homologues of genes involved in the production of toxins, protease inhibitors, odorous compounds, antimicrobials, antitumorals, and other unidentified natural products are located in cyanobacterial plasmids. Some of these plasmids are predicted to be conjugative. The present study provides in silico evidence that plasmids are involved in the distribution of natural product biosynthetic pathways in cyanobacteria.
Reconsider the shear paradigm - stirring and aeration strategies in cell culture processes
Authors: Strobl Florian , Dürkop Mark , Palmberger Dieter , Striedner Gerald
Published: December 2020

Multicellular organisms cultivated in continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs), are more sensitive to the environmental conditions prevalent in suspension culture than to bacteria. Stirring, mandatory for efficiently providing oxygen and simultaneously preventing concentration gradients, is a major shear source. The primary approach for reducing shear-associated cell damage is to employ unique impeller designs, combined with slow stirring speeds, to maintain efficient mixing and aeration. Here, we characterized the shear resistance of insect and CHO cells in suspension. We applied a microfluidic device that allows defined variations in shear rates, and both cell lines displayed resistance to shear rates up to 8.73 × 105 s − 1. The unexpectedly high shear resistance of these cells made it possible to design new cultivation strategies, diametric to state-of-the-art strategies. We applied Rushton turbine-powered CSTRs, typically employed in microbial processes, to both cell cultures, at high revolution speeds and low aeration rates. With this strategy, we significantly reduced aeration and foam formation, and it was no longer necessary to add pure oxygen to ensure efficient aeration. This novel cultivation approach can eliminate a number of existing bottlenecks in state-of-the-art cell culture processes and provide a wide range of possibilities for developing highly efficient, robust next generation cell culture processes.
The pan-cancer lncRNA PLANE regulates an alternative splicing program to promote cancer pathogenesis
Authors: Teng Liu , Feng Yu Chen , Guo Su Tang , Wang Pei Lin , Wang Shi Xing , Zhang Sheng Nan , Qi Teng Fei , La Ting , Zhang Yuan Yuan , Zhao Xiao Hong , Zhang Didi , Wang Jenny Y , Shi Yujie , Li Jin Ming , Cao Huixia , Liu Tao , Thorne Rick F. , Jin Lei , Shao Feng-Min , Zhang Xu Dong
Published: December 2020

Genomic amplification of the distal portion of chromosome 3q, which encodes a number of oncogenic proteins, is one of the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities in malignancy. Here we functionally characterise a non-protein product of the 3q region, the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) PLANE, which is upregulated in diverse cancer types through copy number gain as well as E2F1-mediated transcriptional activation. PLANE forms an RNA-RNA duplex with the nuclear receptor co-repressor 2 (NCOR2) pre-mRNA at intron 45, binds to heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein M (hnRNPM) and facilitates the association of hnRNPM with the intron, thus leading to repression of the alternative splicing (AS) event generating NCOR2-202, a major protein-coding NCOR2 AS variant. In consequence, PLANE promotes cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenicity and its upregulation is associated with poor patient outcomes. These results uncover the function and regulation of PLANE and suggest that PLANE may constitute a therapeutic target in the pan-cancer context.
Low NOX1 Expression in the Cytoplasm of GISTs Correlates with Poor Prognosis
Authors: Wang Wei , You Wenjun , Huang Fang , He Xin , Yuan Ao , Zhu Huijun
Published: December 2020

Background: To investigate the expression effect and biological significance of NADPH oxidase l (NOX1) on the growth of human Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) at a protein level and the correlation between its expression level and patient prognosis.Methods: We enrolled a total of 146 patients confirmed by histopathology to be GIST tumors. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) analysis with GIST tissue microarray was used to assess NOXl level. The relativity study between NOXl expression level and GIST patient prognosis was evaluated. NOX1 mRNA expression was subsequently demonstrated using online database Oncomine.Results: Significance association with mitotic index (χ2 = 9.476, p = 0.009) and grade (χ2 = 11.392, p = 0.010) was observed for low NOX1 cytoplasm staining of GIST cells and poor performance status in 78 of 146 (53.42%) GIST tissues, while for GIST patients with high expression of NOX1, there was no significant survival difference in disease progression. By univariate analysis, prognosis of GIST patients for overall survival (OS) rates were significantly positively correlated with NOX1 expression level (χ2 = 2.429, p = 0.014), tumor diameter (χ2 = 2.048, p = 0.004), mitotic index (χ2 = 2.665, p < 0.001), and grade (χ2 = 3.162, p = 0.001). Moreover, multivariate analyses demonstrated that low cytoplasm expression of NOX1 (χ2 = 2.144, p = 0.046) and mitotic index (χ2 = 2.513, p = 0.001) were striking related with OS rates, the difference was statistically significant. Kaplan-Meier survival curves further exhibited that low NOX1 cytoplasm expression and advanced mitotic index had a more unfavorable prognosis in GIST patients.Conclusion: These conclusions indicate that the degree of malignancy of GIST patients is closely related to NOX1 cytoplasm expression and mitotic index, both of which may be taken as an important role in the occurrence and development of GIST. It may act as an unfavorable predictive marker, indicating a new approach of gene therapy for GIST.
Restoring a Butterfly Hot Spot by Large Ungulates Refaunation: The Case of the Milovice Military Training Range, Czech Republic
Authors: Konvicka Martin , Ričl David , Vodičková Veronika , Beneš Jiří , Jirků Miloslav
Published: December 2020

Background: Refaunation/rewilding by large ungulates represents a cost-efficient approach to managing natural biotopes and may be particularly useful for areas whose biodiversity depends on disturbance dynamics and is imperilled by successional changes. To study impacts of refaunation on invertebrates, we focused on butterflies inhabiting the former military training range Milovice, Czech Republic, refaunated since 2015 by a combination of Exmoor pony (“wild” horse), Tauros cattle (“aurochs”), and European wisent.Methods: We compared butterfly presence-absence patterns immediately after the military use termination (early 1990s), prior to the refaunation (2009), and after it (2016–19); and abundance data gained by monitoring butterflies at refaunated and neglected plots. We used correspondence analysis for presence-absence comparison and canonical correspondence analysis for quantitative data, and related results of both ordination methods to the life history, climatic, and conservation-related traits of recorded butterflies. Results: Following the termination of military use, several poorly mobile species inclining towards oceanic climates were lost. Newly gained species are more mobile and prefer warmer continental conditions. The numbers of butterfly species did not differ between refaunated and neglected plots, but the former hosted higher abundances. Butterflies developing on coarse grasses and shrubs inclined towards neglected plots, whereas refaunated plots supported species developing on small forbs. Conclusion: The changes in species composition following the cessation of military use were attributable to successional change, coupled with climate-driven changes in species pool. By blocking succession, large ungulates support butterflies depending on competitively poor plants. Restoring large ungulates populations represents a great hope for conserving specialised insects, provided that settings of the projects, and locally adapted ungulate densities, do not deplete resources for species with often contrasting requirements.