bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving risk perception and uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision with peer-education sessions and incentives, in Manicaland, East Zimbabwe: study protocol for a pilot randomised trial
Authors: Thomas Ranjeeta , Skovdal Morten , Galizzi Matteo M. , Schaefer Robin , Moorhouse Louisa , Nyamukapa Constance , Maswera Rufurwokuda , Mandizvidza Phyllis , Hallett Timothy B. , Gregson Simon
Published: January 2020

Background

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a key component of combination HIV-prevention programmes. Several high-HIV-prevalence countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Zimbabwe, are looking to scale up VMMC activities. There is limited evidence on how a combination of social learning from peer education by a role model with different behavioural incentives influences demand for VMMC in such settings.

Methods/Design

This matched-cluster randomised controlled trial with 1740 participants will compare two behavioural incentives against a control with no intervention. In the intervention clusters, participants will participate in an education session delivered by a circumcised young male (“role model”) on the risks of HIV infection and the benefits from medical male circumcision. All participants will receive contributions towards transport costs to access medical male circumcision at participating clinics. Via blocked randomisation, in the intervention clusters participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of two types of incentives – fixed cash payment or lottery payment – both conditional on undergoing surgical VMMC. In two sites, a community-led intervention will also be implemented to address social obstacles and to increase support from peers, families and social structures. Baseline measures of endpoints will be gathered in surveys. Follow-up assessment at 6 months will include self-reported uptake of VMMC triangulated with clinic data.

Discussion

This is the first trial to pilot-test social learning to improve risk perception and self-efficacy and to address the fear of pain associated with VMMC and possible present-biased preferences with front-loaded compensations as well as fixed or lottery-based cash payments. This study will generate important knowledge to inform HIV-prevention policies about the effectiveness of behavioural interventions and incentives, which could be easily scaled-up.

Trial registration

This trial has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT03565588). Registered on 21 June 2018.
The role of point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of necrotizing soft tissue infections
Authors: Magalhães Luís , Martins Sara Raquel Pereira , Nogué Ramon
Published: January 2020

Background

Necrotizing soft tissue infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality, even when the correct treatment is initiated. The diagnosis of these conditions is hard and the most sensitive methods are time-consuming, expensive and not readily available. Point-of-care ultrasound can complement clinical evaluation to increase the diagnostic accuracy.

Case presentation

We bring a case of a woman, without comorbidities, who presented to the emergency department with signs of soft tissue infection. Bedside ultrasound showed subcutaneous tissue thickening, with fluid accumulation, and subcutaneous gas in the affected area. Based on the clinical suspicion and the ultrasound findings, the patient underwent prompt medical treatment and surgical debridement.

Conclusions

This case shows the utility of bedside ultrasound for the decision-making process in a disease where an early diagnosis is important. This information should always be used together with the clinical judgement, as it has a relative low sensitivity.
Reduced culture temperature attenuates oxidative stress and inflammatory response facilitating expansion and differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Tirza Gal , Solodeev Inna , Sela Meirav , Greenberg Ilanit , Pasmanik-Chor Metsada , Gur Eyal , Shani Nir
Published: January 2020

Background

Adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) expansion under atmospheric oxygen levels (21%) was previously shown to cause increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and genetic instability compared to cells cultured under physiological oxygen levels (2–8%). However, since culture under physiological oxygen levels is costly and complicated, a simpler method to reduce ROS accumulation is desirable. The current study aimed to determine whether lower culture temperature can reduce ROS production in ASCs without impairing their culture expansion.

Methods

Proliferation, differentiation, ROS accumulation, and gene expression were compared between ASC cultures at 35 °C and 37 °C. ASCs isolated either from rat fat depots or from human lipoaspirates were examined in the study.

Results

Rat visceral ASCs (vASCs) cultured at 35 °C demonstrated reduced ROS production and apoptosis and enhanced expansion and adipogenic differentiation compared to vASCs cultured at 37 °C. Similarly, the culture of human ASCs (hASCs) at 35 °C led to reduced ROS accumulation and apoptosis, with no effect on the proliferation rate, compared to hASCs cultured at 37 °C. Comparison of gene expression profiles of 35 °C versus 37 °C vASCs uncovered the development of a pro-inflammatory phenotype in 37 °C vASCs in correlation with culture temperature and ROS overproduction. This correlation was reaffirmed in both hASCs and subcutaneous rat ASCs.

Conclusions

This is the first evidence of the effect of culture temperature on ASC growth and differentiation properties. Reduced temperatures may result in superior ASC cultures with enhanced expansion capacities in vitro and effectiveness in vivo.
Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate IL-6-induced acute liver injury through miR-455-3p
Authors: Shao Mingyang , Xu Qing , Wu Zhenru , Chen Yuwei , Shu Yuke , Cao Xiaoyue , Chen Menglin , Zhang Bo , Zhou Yongjie , Yao Rong , Shi Yujun , Bu Hong
Published: January 2020

Background

Using a toxin-induced nonhuman primate model of acute liver failure (ALF), we previously reported that peripheral infusion of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) strongly suppresses the activation of circulating monocytes and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production, thereby disrupting the development of a cytokine storm and improving the prognosis of monkeys. MSCs are considered to play a therapeutic role under different stresses by adaptively producing specific factors, prompting us to investigate the factors that hUC-MSCs produce in response to high serum levels of IL-6, which plays a critical role in initiating and accelerating ALF.

Methods

We stimulated hUC-MSCs with IL-6, and the hUC-MSC-derived exosomes were deeply sequenced. The miRNAs in the exosomes that have potential to suppress IL-6-associated signaling pathway were screened, and the role of one of the most possible miRNAs was tested in the mouse model of inflammatory liver injury.

Result

We determined that miR-455-3p, which is secreted through exosomes and potentially targets PI3K signaling, was highly produced by hUC-MSCs with IL-6 stimulation. The miR-455-3p-enriched exosomes could inhibit the activation and cytokine production of macrophages challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) both in vivo and in vitro. In a chemical liver injury mouse model, enforced expression of miR-455-3p could attenuate macrophage infiltration and local liver damage and reduce the serum levels of inflammatory factors, thereby improving liver histology and systemic disorder.

Conclusions

miR-455-3p-enriched exosomes derived from hUC-MSCs are a promising therapy for acute inflammatory liver injury.
3DStructGen: an interactive web-based 3D structure generation for non-periodic molecule and crystal
Authors: Chen Pin , Wang Yu , Yan Hui , Gao Sen , Xu Zexin , Li Yangzhong , Mo Qing , Huang Junkang , Tao Jun , Pan GeChuanqi , Li Jiahui , Du Yunfei
Published: January 2020

Background

The increasing number of organic and inorganic structures promotes the development of the “Big Data” in chemistry and material science, and raises the need for cross-platform and web-based methods to search, view and edit structures. Many web-based three-dimensional (3D) structure tools have been developed for displaying existing models, building new models, and preparing initial input files for external calculations. But few of these tools can deal with crystal structures.

Results

We developed a user-friendly and versatile program based on standard web techniques, such as Hyper Text Markup Language 5 (HTML5), Cascade Style Sheet (CSS) and JavaScript. Both non-periodic organic molecule and crystal structure can be visualized, built and edited interactively. The atom, bond, angle and dihedral in a molecule can be viewed and modified using sample mouse operations. A wide range of cheminformatics algorithms for crystal structure are provided, including cleaving surfaces, establishing vacuum layers, and building supercells. Four displayed styles, namely “Primitive cell”, “Original”, “In-cell” and “Packing” can be used to visualize a unit cell. Additionally, the initial input files for Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package (VASP) and Gaussian can be obtained by interacting with dialog boxes in 3DStructGen.

Conclusions

3DStructGen is a highly platform-independent program. It can provide web service independently or can be integrated into other web platforms. Other than local desktop software, it does not require any additional effort to install the system but a web browser supporting HTML5. 3DStructGen may play a valuable role in online chemistry education and pre-processing of quantum calculations. The program has been released under MIT open-source license and is available on: https://matgen.nscc-gz.cn/Tools.html.
Low-dose 18F-FDG TOF-PET/MR for accurate quantification of brown adipose tissue in healthy volunteers
Authors: ter Voert Edwin E. G. W. , Svirydenka Hanna , Müller Julian , Becker Anton S. , Balaz Miroslav , Efthymiou Vissarion , Maushart Claudia Irene , Gashi Gani , Wolfrum Christian , Betz Matthias J. , Burger Irene A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Positron emission tomography (PET) is increasingly applied for in vivo brown adipose tissue (BAT) research in healthy volunteers. To limit the radiation exposure, the injected 18F-FDG tracer dose should be as low as possible. With simultaneous PET/MR imaging, the radiation exposure due to computed tomography (CT) can be avoided, but more importantly, the PET acquisition time can often be increased to match the more extensive magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol. The potential gain in detected coincidence counts, due to the longer acquisition time, can then be applied to decrease the injected tracer dose. The aim of this study was to investigate the minimal 18F-FDG dose for a 10-min time-of-flight (TOF) PET/MR acquisition that would still allow accurate quantification of supraclavicular BAT volume and activity.

Methods

Twenty datasets from 13 volunteers were retrospectively included from a prospective clinical study. PET emission datasets were modified to simulate step-wise reductions of the original 75 MBq injected dose. The resulting PET images were visually and quantitatively assessed and compared to a 4-min reference scan. For the visual assessment, the image quality and artifacts were scored using a 5-point and a 3-point Likert scale. For the quantitative analysis, image noise and artifacts, BAT metabolic activity, BAT metabolic volume (BMV), and total BAT glycolysis (TBG) were investigated.

Results

The visual assessment showed still good image quality for the 35%, 30%, and 25% activity reconstructions with no artifacts. Quantitatively, the background noise was similar to the reference for the 35% and 30% activity reconstructions and the artifacts started to increase significantly in the 25% and lower activity reconstructions. There was no significant difference in supraclavicular BAT metabolic activity, BMV, and TBG between the reference and the 35% to 20% activity reconstructions.

Conclusions

This study indicates that when the PET acquisition time is matched to the 10-min MRI protocol, the injected 18F-FDG tracer dose can be reduced to approximately 19 MBq (25%) while maintaining image quality and accurate supraclavicular BAT quantification. This could decrease the effective dose from 1.4 mSv to 0.36 mSv.
Single-cell genomics of uncultured bacteria reveals dietary fiber responders in the mouse gut microbiota
Authors: Chijiiwa Rieka , Hosokawa Masahito , Kogawa Masato , Nishikawa Yohei , Ide Keigo , Sakanashi Chikako , Takahashi Kai , Takeyama Haruko
Published: January 2020

Background

The gut microbiota can have dramatic effects on host metabolism; however, current genomic strategies for uncultured bacteria have several limitations that hinder their ability to identify responders to metabolic changes in the microbiota. In this study, we describe a novel single-cell genomic sequencing technique that can identify metabolic responders at the species level without the need for reference genomes, and apply this method to identify bacterial responders to an inulin-based diet in the mouse gut microbiota.

Results

Inulin-feeding changed the mouse fecal microbiome composition to increase Bacteroides spp., resulting in the production of abundant succinate in the mouse intestine. Using our massively parallel single-cell genome sequencing technique, named SAG-gel platform, we obtained 346 single-amplified genomes (SAGs) from mouse gut microbes before and after dietary inulin supplementation. After quality control, the SAGs were classified as 267 bacteria, spanning 2 phyla, 4 classes, 7 orders, and 14 families, and 31 different strains of SAGs were graded as high- and medium-quality draft genomes. From these, we have successfully obtained the genomes of the dominant inulin-responders, Bacteroides spp., and identified their polysaccharide utilization loci and their specific metabolic pathways for succinate production.

Conclusions

Our single-cell genomics approach generated a massive amount of SAGs, enabling a functional analysis of uncultured bacteria in the intestinal microbiome. This enabled us to estimate metabolic lineages involved in the bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber and metabolic outcomes such as short-chain fatty acid production in the intestinal environment based on the fibers ingested. The technique allows the in-depth isolation and characterization of uncultured bacteria with specific functions in the microbiota and could be exploited to improve human and animal health.
Lessons from the welding booth: theories in practice in vocational education
Authors: Asplund Stig-Börje , Kilbrink Nina
Published: January 2020

This article reports results from a Learning study in which two university based researchers collaborate with a vocational teacher at an upper secondary vocational school. During three iterative cycles, two different theories (Conversational Analysis and Variation Theory) have gradually been incorporated when teaching how to TIG-weld. Through concrete empirical examples from video recorded lessons the article explores how these theoretical perspectives (termed CAVTA) can be used together and integrated in practice when analysing the teaching and learning processes that take shape when teacher and students interact in relation to the object of learningto TIG-weld,and how these theories can be used as didactical tools. The analyses highlights concrete changes in the teacher’s teaching, and it is argued that the approach used in the study can lead to a development where we can find forms for teaching specific subject content within vocational education.
Comparison of microwave drying and oven-drying techniques for moisture determination of three paddy (Oryza sativa L.) varieties
Authors: Nirmaan A. M. C. , Rohitha Prasantha B. D. , Peiris B. L.
Published: January 2020

Background

The standard method for grain moisture measurement is the conventional air oven-drying technique. This method requires a longer period of time to determine the moisture content (m.c.). Although electric moisture meters are popular in rice industries, it has to be calibrated frequently with the oven-drying method. Therefore, an alternative but fast and reliable method is required, especially, for the grain marketing industries.

Results

Three different sizes of paddy (Oryza sativa L.) samples (Bg 300-intermediate bold, Bg 358-short round and At 405-long slender) were used for this study. Five different moisture levels (12–20% wet basis) were prepared by adding known amounts of water. Relationship between the microwave oven and hot air oven moisture values were evaluated using Pearson, Spearman and Kendall correlation coefficient methods. The linear regression relationship was also established between hot air oven and microwave oven moisture determination methods. According to the data, except for 870 W of absorbed MW power setting level, the other two MW power setting (265 W and 550 W) showed a significant statistical correlation (r > 0.55, P < 0.01) between the air oven and MW oven m.c. values of the three paddy samples. However, MW settings of 550 W for 7 min of absorbed power indicated a significantly higher regression coefficient of determination (r2 = 0.94, P < 0.01) with air oven m.c. values.

Conclusion

From the study, it can be concluded that the domestic microwave oven can be successfully used to determine the moisture content of different paddy varieties as an alternative method to the conventional air oven-drying method.
PSMA PET for primary lymph node staging of intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer: an expedited systematic review
Authors: Petersen Lars J. , Zacho Helle D.
Published: January 2020

Background

PSMA PET is a promising method for primary lymph node staging in prostate cancer. However, recent systematic reviews have identified only a limited number of studies with histopathology as a reference test.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed and the Cochrane Library. An expedited systematic review was performed where we identified diagnostic studies in prostate cancer where a preoperative PSMA PET for primary lymph node staging was compared to histopathology. The trials must have diagnostic data on a patient level.

Results

Eighteen eligible clinical trials included 969 patients. The median patient number per study was 32 (range 10 to 208). Five trials were prospective, and nine trials had a consecutive enrolment of patients. Sixteen studies used Ga-68-PSMA-11; there was one study with Cu-64-PSMA and one study with F-18-DCDFPyL. Twelve studies used PET/CT, four trials used PET/MR. Most trials included patients with intermediate and high-risk. Diagnostic accuracy varied notably among the studies; sensitivity ranged from 23 to 100%, specificity 67–100%, positive predictive value 20–100%, and negative predictive value 41–100%. Weighted sensitivity was 59%, weighted specificity was 93%. Four studies compared PSMA PET with anatomical imaging (CT or MRI); in all cases, sensitivity and specificity were superior with PSMA PET. Three studies compared PSMA PET with multi-parametric or diffusion-weighted MRI with mixed results.

Conclusions

PSMA PET showed promising diagnostic accuracy for primary lymph node staging with pathology as reference. Recommendation for PSMA PET for high-risk patients in clinical guidelines should be supported by confirmatory, prospective trials with patient-relevant outcomes.
Dosimetry after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy: impact of reduced number of post-treatment studies on absorbed dose calculation and on patient management
Authors: Chicheportiche Alexandre , Ben-Haim Simona , Grozinsky-Glasberg Simona , Oleinikov Kira , Meirovitz Amichay , Gross David J. , Godefroy Jeremy
Published: January 2020

Background

After each cycle of [177Lu]-DOTA-TATE peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) dosimetry is performed to enable precise calculation of the radiation-absorbed dose to tumors and normal organs. Absorbed doses are routinely calculated from three quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies corrected by computed tomography (CT) acquired at t1 = 24 h, t2 = 96 h, and t3 = 168 h after the first cycle of treatment. After following cycles, a single SPECT/CT study is performed. The aim of the present study is to assess the feasibility of a “two time point” quantitative SPECT/CT protocol after the first PRRT cycle and its impact on patient management.

Quantitative SPECT/CT data of 25 consecutive patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors after PRRT were retrospectively analyzed. Radiation-absorbed doses calculated using the standard protocol with three SPECT/CT studies acquired at (t1, t2, t3) were compared to those obtained from three different “two time point” protocols with SPECT/CT studies performed at (t1, t2), (t1, t3), or (t2, t3).

Results

The best agreement for the cumulative doses absorbed by the kidneys, bone marrow, liver, spleen, and tumors with the conventional protocol was obtained with the (t1, t3) protocol with mean relative differences of − 1.0% ± 2.4%, 0.4% ± 3.1%, − 0.9% ± 4.0%, − 0.8% ± 1.1%, and − 0.5% ± 2.0%, respectively, and correlation coefficients of r = 0.99 for all.

In all patients, there was no difference in the management decision of whether or not to stop PRRT because of unsafe absorbed dose to risk organs using either the standard protocol or the (t1, t3) protocol.

Conclusion

These preliminary results demonstrate that dosimetry calculations using two quantitative SPECT/CT studies acquired at 24 and 168 h after the first PRRT cycle are feasible and are in good agreement with the standard imaging protocol with no change in patient management decisions, while enabling improved patient comfort and reduced scanner and staff time.
Review on carbon storage estimation of forest ecosystem and applications in China
Authors: Sun Wanlong , Liu Xuehua
Published: January 2020

Background

The accuracy in estimating forest ecosystem carbon storage has drawn extensive attention of researchers in the field of global climate change. However, incomparable data sources and various estimation methods have led to significant differences in the estimation of forest carbon storage at large scales.

Methods

In this study, we reviewed fundamental types of forest carbon storage estimation methods and their applications in China.

Results

Results showed that the major forest carbon storage estimation methods were classified into 3 major categories and 15 subcategories focusing on vegetation carbon storage estimation, soil carbon storage estimation, and litter carbon storage estimation, respectively. The application in China showed that there have been 3 development stages of research in China since the 1990s. Studies of forest carbon storage estimation in province scales were conducted more frequently in the northeastern, eastern and southwestern provinces such as Zhejiang, Heilongjiang and Sichuan with high forest coverage or large forest area. Inventory-based methods, soil type method, and biomass model were the main forest estimation methods used in China, focusing on vegetation, soil and litter carbon storage estimation respectively. Total forest carbon storage of China was approximate 28.90 Pg C, and the average vegetation carbon density (42.04 ± 5.39 Mg·ha− 1) was much lower than that of the whole world (71.60 Mg·ha− 1). Vegetation carbon density from average biomass method was the highest (57.07 Mg·ha− 1) through comparing nine types of vegetation carbon storage estimation methods applied during 1989 to 1993.

Conclusions

Many studies on forest carbon storages have been carried out in China at patch scales or regional scales. These efforts enabled the research of forest carbon storage to reach a relatively advanced stage. Meanwhile, the accumulation of massive research data provides the basis for subsequent research work. Some challenges are also existing. This review could provide a reference for more accurate estimation of forest carbon storage in the future.
Educating the new Chinese middle-class youth: the role of quality education on ideas of class and status
Authors: Ponzini Arianna
Published: January 2020

This article attempts to answer the questions: “Why is quality education so important for the new Chinese middle class and what implications does quality education have on ideas of status and social standing?” My efforts to answer these questions are guided by two key concepts: social distinction and capital convertibility, which have been presented and analyzed in the work of Bourdieu. The present article advances a new framework for analyzing the different effects of schooling and youth education on ideas of class and social status for the new Chinese middle class. I do this by exploring different dimensions of cultural capital and their effects on social standing and class membership. My core argument is that youth quality education, which implies the accumulation of cultural capital, and therefore of suzhi, is the strongest driving force affecting middle-class families’ life strategies, as well as their ideas of status. Furthermore, cultural capital is the primary resource that can generate other forms of capital, essential for middle-class reproduction. Ultimately, due to the fact that in China the access to quality education is strongly connected to housing strategies, housing and neighborhood have been selected as the salient lens for analysis.
The Cultural Dynamics of Reception
Authors: Coolahan Marie-Louise
Published: January 2020

The cultural dynamics of reception are best understood as a reiterative process of reshaping and reframing. Reception as an object of critical study embraces first the history of how texts were read, disseminated, and consumed across media, languages, and geographical regions. But if this is the first port of call, such analysis quickly draws in questions about the relationship between reception and production, audience and agency, about contemporary and posthumous reputation. This special issue investigates the ways in which the act of reception is a reiterative process on a continuous spectrum with cultural production. Receivers — of texts, events, reputations — are mediators, creatively reconstituting that which they receive according to their own agendas and contemporary imperatives. The articles in this collection embrace international, comparative, and new material contexts for early modern reception studies as they address poetry, romance, letters, history, hagiography, autobiography, and literary reviews. The transnational perspectives that emerge lead from the Low Countries to Italy, Ireland to France and the Spanish Netherlands, Spain to England, and England to France. The introductory essay for the issue additionally examines recent digital projects concerned with the history of reading and reception, exploring in particular how digital resource design foregrounds questions of representation and our immersion, as critics, in the act of reception.
Writing, Reception, Intertextuality
Authors: Connell Sarah , Flanders Julia
Published: January 2020

Reading has received renewed scrutiny in the digital age, a result of the defamiliarization of the medium that has also brought about a rethinking of what is meant by “text,” “book,” and “author.” Fascination with large-scale data analysis has shifted attention toward modes of reading that sample the source to produce a statistical artifact from which we can in turn read clusterings of words, shifts in topic or register, or changing orthographic habits. These remote reading practices, however, fail to capitalize on valuable modeling of the individual text, but more recently researchers have been exploring ways of bringing these two ends of the digital spectrum into closer conversation. This article explores the study of readership and reception of pre-Victorian women’s writing through these emerging digital methods, examining two collections (Women Writers Online and Women Writers in Review) related to early women’s writing with large-scale analytical methods that engage with the detailed textual models in these collections’ metadata and markup.
What biologists want from their chloride reporters – a conversation between chemists and biologists
Authors: Zajac Matthew , Chakraborty Kasturi , Saha Sonali , Mahadevan Vivek , Infield Daniel T. , Accardi Alessio , Qiu Zhaozhu , Krishnan Yamuna
Published: January 2020

Impaired chloride transport affects diverse processes ranging from neuron excitability to water secretion, which underlie epilepsy and cystic fibrosis, respectively. The ability to image chloride fluxes with fluorescent probes has been essential for the investigation of the roles of chloride channels and transporters in health and disease. Therefore, developing effective fluorescent chloride reporters is critical to characterizing chloride transporters and discovering new ones. However, each chloride channel or transporter has a unique functional context that demands a suite of chloride probes with appropriate sensing characteristics. This Review seeks to juxtapose the biology of chloride transport with the chemistries underlying chloride sensors by exploring the various biological roles of chloride and highlighting the insights delivered by studies using chloride reporters. We then delineate the evolution of small-molecule sensors and genetically encoded chloride reporters. Finally, we analyze discussions with chloride biologists to identify the advantages and limitations of sensors in each biological context, as well as to recognize the key design challenges that must be overcome for developing the next generation of chloride sensors.
Measurement of mitochondrial respiration in permeabilized fish gills
Authors: Dawson Neal J. , Millet Caroline , Selman Colin , Metcalfe Neil B.
Published: January 2020

Physiological investigations of fish gills have traditionally been centered on the two principal functions of the gills, gas exchange and ion regulation. Mitochondrion-rich cells (MRCs) are primarily found within the gill filaments of fish, and are thought to proliferate in order to increase the ionoregulatory capacity of the gill in response to environmentally-induced osmotic challenges. However, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the metabolic function of mitochondria within fish gills. Here we describe and validate a simple protocol for the permeabilization of fish gills and subsequent measurement of mitochondrial respiration rates in vitro. Our protocol requires only small tissue samples (8 mg), it exploits the natural structure of fish gills, does not require mechanical separation of the gill tissue (so is relatively quick to perform), and yields accurate and highly reproducible measurements of respiration rates. It offers great potential for the study of mitochondrial function in gills over a wide range of fish sizes and species.
Bioluminescence induction in the ophiuroid Amphiura filiformis (Echinodermata)
Authors: Mallefet Jerome , Duchatelet Laurent , Coubris Constance
Published: January 2020

Bioluminescence is a widespread phenomenon in the marine environment. Among luminous substrates, coelenterazine is the most widespread luciferin, found in more than nine phyla. The wide phylogenetic coverage of this light-emitting molecule has led to the hypothesis of its dietary acquisition that was demonstrated in one cnidarian and one lophogastrid shrimp species so far. Within Ophiuroidea, the dominant class of luminous echinoderms, Amphiura filiformis is a model species known to use coelenterazine as substrate of a luciferin / luciferase luminous system.

The aim of this study was to perform a long-term monitoring of A. filiformis luminescent capabilities during captivity. Our results show (i) depletion of luminescent capabilities within five months when the ophiuroid is fed with a coelenterazine-free diet and (ii) a quick recovery of luminescent capabilities when the ophiuroid is fed with coelenterazine-supplemented food. The present work demonstrates for the first time a trophic acquisition of coelenterazine in A. filiformis to maintain light emission capabilities.
Rorqual whale nasal plugs: protecting the respiratory tract against water entry and barotrauma
Authors: Gil Kelsey N. , Lillie Margo A. , Vogl A. Wayne , Shadwick Robert E.
Published: January 2020

The upper respiratory tract of rorquals, lunge-feeding baleen whales, must be protected against water incursion and against the risk of barotrauma at depth, where air-filled spaces like the bony nasal cavities may experience high adverse pressure gradients. We hypothesize these two disparate tasks are accomplished by paired cylindrical nasal plugs that attach on the rostrum and deep inside the nasal cavity. Here we present evidence that the large size and deep attachment of the plugs is a compromise allowing them to block the nasal cavities to prevent water entry while also facilitating pressure equilibration between the nasal cavities and ambient hydrostatic pressure (Pamb) at depth. We investigated nasal plug behaviour using videos of rorquals surfacing, plug morphology from dissections, histology, and MRI scans, and plug function by mathematically modelling nasal pressures at depth. We found each nasal plug has three structurally distinct regions: a muscular rostral region, a predominantly fatty mid-section, and an elastic tendon that attaches the plug caudally. We propose muscle contraction while surfacing pulls the fatty sections rostrally, opening the nasal cavities to air, while the elastic tendons snap the plugs back into place sealing the cavities after breathing. At depth, we propose Pamb pushes the fatty region deeper into the nasal cavities, decreasing air volume by about half and equilibrating nasal cavity to Pamb, preventing barotrauma. The nasal plugs are a unique innovation in rorquals that demonstrate their importance and novelty during diving, where pressure becomes as important an issue as the danger of water entry.
Design of Fluorescent Peptide Nucleic Acid Probes Carrying Cyanine Dyes for Targeting Double-Stranded RNAs for Analytical Applications
Authors: Sato Yusuke
Published: January 2020

With the increasing knowledge about the diverse roles of RNAs within cells, much attention has been paid to the development of RNA-binding fluorescent probes for the study of RNA functions. Especially, the probes for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) structures are highly useful given the importance of the secondary and tertiary RNA structures on their biological functions. This account describes our recent efforts to develop synthetic fluorescent probes based on peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) carrying fluorogenic cyanine dyes for targeting the overhang structures of dsRNAs with a view toward the analysis of the intracellular delivery process of small interfering RNAs. We also describe the design of triplex-forming PNA probes carrying cyanine dye base surrogates for the sequence-selective detection of dsRNAs.
Syntheses and Characterizations of Functional Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Xu Xiushang , Müllen Klaus , Narita Akimitsu
Published: January 2020

In contrast to zero-bandgap graphene, nanostructures of graphene, such as graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) have open bandgaps due to the quantum confinement effect, and are thus highly interesting for semiconductor applications, for example in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. While conventional methods cannot provide GQDs and GNRs with chemically precise structures, large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules can be regarded as atomically precise GQDs. Moreover, extension of the PAH synthesis can lead to GNRs with well-defined chemical structures. In this account, we summarize our recent achievements in our synthetic exploration of PAHs and GNRs with novel structures and properties. For example, we have developed new PAHs having zigzag edges, such as dibenzo[hi,st]ovalene derivatives with strong red luminescence and stimulated emission, which are promising for light-emitting devices and bioimaging applications. We have also accomplished a synthesis of magnetic GNRs through edge functionalization with organic radicals, which can be interesting for spintronic as well as quantum computing applications. Moreover, incorporation of zigzag edges in GNR structures, through on-surface syntheses under ultrahigh (UHV) vacuum conditions, allowed for significant modulations of the electronic structures of GNRs, leading to the emergence of topological quantum phases. On the other hand, we have also explored on-surface synthesis of GNRs without UHV, namely using a setup for chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Scalable fabrication of GNR films could thus be achieved on gold on mica substrates, which could be integrated into field-effect transistor devices. These results highlight the importance of developing novel PAHs and GNRs and their potentials for various applications, including quantum technologies, energy and optoelectronic devices, and bioimaging.
Prostate cancer with low burden skeletal disease at diagnosis: outcome of concomitant radiotherapy on primary tumor and metastases
Authors: Deantoni Chiara Lucrezia , Fodor Andrei , Cozzarini Cesare , Fiorino Claudio , Brombin Chiara , Di Serio Clelia , Calandrino Riccardo , Di Muzio Nadia
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To evaluate toxicity and clinical outcome in synchronous bone only oligometastatic (≤2 lesions) prostate cancer patients, simultaneously irradiated to prostate/prostatic bed, lymph nodes and bone metastases.

Methods:

From 2/2009 to 6/2015, 39 bone only prostate cancer patients underwent radiotherapy (RT) at “radical” doses to bone metastases (median 2 Gy equivalent dose, EQD2>40Gy, α/β = 1,5), nodes, and prostate/prostatic bed, within the same RT course, in association with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Biochemical relapse-free survival, clinical relapse-free survival, freedom from distant metastases and overall survival were evaluated.

Results:

After a median follow-up of 46.5 (1.2–103.6) months, 5 patients died from disease progression, 10 experienced biochemical relapse, 19, still in ADT, presented undetectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at the last follow-up. Five patients who discontinued ADT after a median of 34 months (5.8–41) are free from biochemical relapse.

The 4 year Kaplan–Meier estimates of biochemical relapse-free survival, clinical relapse-free survival, freedom from distant metastases and overall survival were 53.3%, 65.7%, 73.4% and 82.4% respectively.

No Grade > 2 acute events and only two severe late urinary events were recorded, not due to the concomitant treatment of primary and metastatic disease.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that “radical” and synchronous irradiation of primitive tumor and metastatic disease may be a valid approach in synchronous bone only prostate cancer patients, showing mild toxicity profile and promising survival results.

Advances in knowledge:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first analysis of clinical outcome in synchronous bone-only metastasis (neither nodal nor visceral) patients at diagnosis, treated with radical RT to all disease, associated to ADT.
Building confidence in digital health through metrology
Authors: Smith Nadia A. S. , Sinden David , Thomas Spencer A. , Romanchikova Marina , Talbott Jessica E. , Adeogun Michael
Published: January 2020

Healthcare is increasingly and routinely generating large volumes of data from different sources, which are difficult to handle and integrate. Confidence in data can be established through the knowledge that the data are validated, well-curated and with minimal bias or errors. As the National Measurement Institute of the UK, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is running an interdisciplinary project on digital health data curation. The project addresses one of the key challenges of the UK’s Measurement Strategy, to provide confidence in the intelligent and effective use of data. A workshop was organised by NPL in which important stakeholders from NHS, industry and academia outlined the current and future challenges in healthcare data curation. This paper summarises the findings of the workshop and outlines NPL’s views on how a metrological approach to the curation of healthcare data sets could help solve some of the important and emerging challenges of utilising healthcare data.
Perspectivism of the Renaissance Thought
Authors: Menčik David
Published: January 2020

The starting point of the essay is clarifying the difference between the mono-perspective and multi-perspective vision of reality. Off-course the terms perspective, mono-perspective and multi-perspective are not self-explanatory and the meanings of these terms need to be formally analysed. After making the formal difference between mono-perspective thinking and multi-perspective thinking a content difference needs to be made. Namely, why is the Renaissance vision of reality multi-perspective and the Middle-Age vision of reality mono-perspective? The answer to this question needs to be given by the analysis of the original works of the Renaissance thinkers. Our undertaking will not be limited in analysing only one discourse but following the subject from a methodological point of view in a multi-perspectivism way. Therefore, three different discourses will be analysed:  The discourse of philosophical anthropology with Mirandola’s vision of man as a paradigmatic example-The discourse of philosophy of nature, with Bruno’s vision of the universe as a paradigmatic example-The discourse of art history in which four paintings will be analysed: these paintings can be considered of having philosophical, value because they provide a picturesque representation of what the Renaissance “world” was really like.
Platelets treated with pathogen reduction technology: current status and future direction
Authors: Lu Wen , Fung Mark
Published: January 2020

Allogeneic platelets collected for transfusion treated with pathogen reduction technology (PRT), which has been available in some countries for more than a decade, are now increasingly available in the United States (US). The implementation of PRT-treated platelets, also known as pathogen-reduced platelets (PRPs), has been spurred by the need to further decrease the risk of sepsis associated with bacterial contamination coupled with the potential of this technology to reduce the risk of infections due to already recognized, new, and emerging infectious agents. This article will review available PRP products, examine their benefits, highlight unresolved questions surrounding this technology, and summarize pivotal research studies that have compared transfusion outcomes (largely in adult patients) for PRPs with non-PRT-treated conventional platelets (CPs). In addition, studies describing the use of PRPs in pediatric patients and work done on the association between PRPs and HLA alloimmunization are discussed. As new data emerge, it is critical to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of existing PRPs and newer technologies and reassess the financial implications of adopting PRPs to guide our decision-making process for the implementation of transfusing PRPs.
Intrinsic negative feedback as a limiting factor for the evolution of higher forms of intelligence
Authors: Arold Stefan T.
Published: January 2020

Longstanding scientific efforts have been dedicated to answer why and how our particular intelligence is generated by our brain but not by the brain of other species. However, surprisingly little effort has been made to ask why no other species ever developed an intelligence similar to ours. Here, I explore this question based on genetic and paleontologic evidence. Contrary to the established view, this review suggests that the developmental hurdles alone are not high enough to explain the uniqueness of human intelligence (HI). As an additional explanation I propose that HI is normally not retained by natural selection, because it is, under most conditions, an intrinsically unfavourable trait. This unfavourableness, however, cannot be explained by physical constraints alone; rather, it may also be rooted in the same emotional and social complexity that is necessary for the development of HI. Thus, a major obstacle towards HI may not be solely the development of the required physical assets, but also to cope with harmful individual, social and environmental feedback intrinsically associated with this trait.
PROGRAM OF GEOTECHNICAL MONITORING OF OBJECTS INCLUDED IN THE ZONE OF INFLUENCE OF CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Vereschagin Aleksandr , Nikolenko S. , Sazonova Svetlana
Published: January 2020

The article considers the concept of geotechnical monitoring of its goals and objectives in relation to objects included in the zone of influence of construction. The requirements for the monitoring program are defined. A survey of geodetic signs, monitoring instruments for monitoring precipitation and software for processing measurement results, the composition of the reporting materials of the monitoring results.
Instituciones en crisis y acción colectiva frente a las migraciones globales. El caso de la llegada de haitianos a Tijuana, B.C., 2016-2017
Authors: Silva Hernández Aída , Padilla Orozco Vianney
Published: January 2020

¿De qué manera las nuevas expresiones de la migración global generan formas de acción colectiva igualmente inusitadas? A mediados de 2016 empezaron a llegar a Tijuana, B.C. (México) cientos de personas de origen haitiano. Las particularidades de su estatus migratorio y el volumen de arribo colocaron a las instituciones civiles y gubernamentales en una crisis ante la inexistencia de políticas específicas para su atención. Partiendo de una discusión teórica-conceptual de acción colectiva y desde una perspectiva metodológica cualitativa, el objetivo del artículo es analizar las relaciones interinstitucionales y el manejo estratégico de recursos de las diversas formas de asociación que surgen en una coyuntura como esta. El estudio muestra cómo en un contexto de crisis institucional las expresiones emergentes de acción colectiva se construyen a partir de redes para responder a necesidades de corto y mediano plazo de la población afectada; así mismo, se aceleran los procesos de organización cívica fundamentados en la solidaridad y se promueve la participación ciudadana a partir de principios identitarios propios de lugares con una larga experiencia migratoria.
Otros sujetos de derecho o personas (?)
Authors: Ceballos Rosero Franco Alirio
Published: January 2020

La existencia de nuevos sujetos de derecho o personas es evidente en múltiples ordenamientos jurídicos, ya que además de las personas naturales y jurídicas, se han abierto camino como sujetos de derecho o personas comunidades étnicas, generaciones futuras, los seres sintientes y algunos ecosistemas con los que la humanidad comparte vida, hábitats y dependencia. Los derechos étnicos, ambientales, de la naturaleza y de protección animal han abierto la posibilidad teórica para desantropologizar el derecho, posibilitando –inclusive–  perspectivas teóricas mucho más ambiciosas relacionadas con las inteligencias artificiales, androides/robots o los seres espirituales. El presente documento es una aproximación teórica para una teoría heterogénea del concepto de persona que desborde sus límites antropocéntricos.