bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appropriation and application of caring science theory: Experiences of master education alumni in three Nordic countries
Authors: Sandvik Ann‐Helén , Dahlström Pia , Koskinen Camilla
Published: August 2021

Background

A theoretical foundation in caring science is invaluable for nursing care because it enriches practice by providing explanations, clarity and direction. However, after graduation, students experience the frustration of not being able to sufficiently intertwine caring science theories in practice. Consequently, the integration of caring science theories in nursing education and practice is considered an essential focus area to reduce this theory–practice gap.

Aim

This study aims to elucidate master alumni's experiences of appropriation and application of caring science after completing a master's education.

Methods

The data were collected by semi‐structured interviews with 21 alumni from Finland, Sweden and Norway who had recently completed a master's degree with caring science as the major subject. A thematic analysis was used.

Findings

The analysis resulted in two main themes, both with three subthemes. Educator's bearing and a learning community are important for students’ appropriation of caring science theories. Learning through reflection and the response of others evoke new paths of thought, and practice‐related teaching promotes the intertwining and application of caring science theory in practice. The appropriated theory has significance to alumni by providing a guiding basis that strengthens alumni's professional bearing and way of being. The caring science theory guides alumni in providing nursing care with an increased ethical awareness and questioning approach that enables good patient care. Their professional identity and confidence in caring are also strengthened.

Conclusion

Educators’ bearing is of outermost importance for appropriation and application of caring science theory. It has a key function in facilitating students’ understanding and intertwining of caring science theory and practice. Appropriated caring science theory provides authority and courage to practice nursing care. The appropriated theory promotes alumni's ethical awareness, confidence and a sense of pride in the profession.
GP trainees' experiences of training
Authors: Collins Katie , Powell Samantha , Safdar Mariam , Babatolu Hadiza , Chopra Sarita , Scallan Samantha
Published: August 2021

Background

Understanding the experience of training in an authentic and rich way can be a powerful driver to reviewing teaching and learning practice. GP educators in the Health Education England Wessex region decided to take this a step further and examine the equity of the experience of training, including trainees' thoughts and views about how that experience could be improved.

Method

An online questionnaire survey was developed covering topics such as the perceived support needs of IMG (international medical graduate) trainees, trainees' experiences of discrimination, and their ideas for improvement. The survey focused on areas that were within the power of local educators to change, thereby enabling the results to drive improvement. The survey link was emailed to all trainees in our deanery via their training patches. Responses were anonymous.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐seven responses were received from a cohort of approximately 530 trainees—a response rate of 35%. Responses ranged from a limited awareness of additional support needs for trainees from different backgrounds, through to those who had experienced uncomfortable situations and those with clear ideas about improvements. The data have been used to trigger improvement discussions within patch teams and facilitate changes in practice.

Conclusions

The outcome of the work has led to change—from providing additional courses and support to raising awareness of trainees' experiences. The results have also been fed back to senior educators who manage training across the region.
Teaching Metaphors: Supporting Professional Growth and Shaping Teacher Identity
Authors: Harris Kathleen I
Published: August 2021

A phenomenological study was conducted to further a better understanding, and inquire a new awareness, on how metaphors can support professional growth and shape teacher identity for early childhood education students. Examining teaching metaphors might be another strategy for teacher preparation programs to help early childhood education students in identifying their pre-existing values about teaching and learning. Teaching metaphors may guide students to reflect on values and beliefs that make an important impression on their individual teaching journey.
Sound absorption by a metasurface comprising hard spheres in a soft medium
Authors: Skvortsov Alex , Sharma Gyani Shankar , MacGillivray Ian , Kessissoglou Nicole
Published: August 2021

We present a theoretical framework for acoustic wave propagation in a metasurface comprising a hexagonal lattice of hard spherical inclusions embedded in a soft elastic medium. Each layer of inclusions in the direction of sound propagation is approximated as a homogenized layer with effective geometric and material properties. To account for multiple scattering effects in the lattice of resonant inclusions, an analogy between the fluid dynamics of creeping flows and elastodynamics of soft materials is implemented. Results obtained analytically are in excellent agreement with numerical simulations that exactly model the geometric and material properties of the metasurface.
The spectrum of happiness
Tranquillity
Laurie Britton Newell and George Vasey, curators
Wellcome Collection, London, UK, 15 July 2021–9 January 2022
Joy
Laurie Britton Newell and George Vasey, curators
Wellcome Collection, London, UK, 15 July 2021–27 February 2022
Authors: Skvortsova Vasilisa
Published: August 2021

A pair of exhibitions challenge visitors to embrace a more encompassing view of contentment
Draft Genome Sequence of Kazachstania slooffiae, Isolated from Postweaning Piglet Feces
Authors: Davies Cary Pirone , Arfken Ann M. , Foster Frey Juli , Summers Katie Lynn
Published: August 2021

Kazachstania slooffiae
is a dimorphic fungus which colonizes the feces and gastrointestinal tract of postweaning pigs. This fungus persists in the gut environment of piglets into adulthood and is implicated in porcine health through microbe-microbe and microbe-host interactions. Here, we report a draft genome sequence for
K. slooffiae
ABBL.
BK Polyomavirus Subtypes IVc-1 and Ib-1 in Vietnamese Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Dinh Hang Thi Thu , Ho Son Anh , Pham Toan Quoc , Hoang Su Xuan
Published: August 2021

We report here the nearly complete genome sequences of two human BK polyomavirus (BKV) strains recovered from two Vietnamese renal allograft recipients and belonging to subtypes IVc1 (strain VN_PBK185) and Ib1 (strain VN_PBK212). The genome sequences of VN_PBK185 and VN_PBK212 were highly similar (99.9% nucleotide identity) to the reference BKV strains VNM-1 and VNM-9, respectively.
Regular braneworlds with nonlinear bulk-fluids
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios , Cotsakis Spiros , Klaoudatou Ifigeneia
Published: August 2021

We construct a regular five-dimensional brane-world with localised gravity on a flat 3-brane. The matter content in the bulk is parametrised by an analog of a non-linear fluid with equation of state$$p=\gamma \rho ^\lambda $$p=γρλbetween the ‘pressure’pand the ‘density’$$\rho $$ρdependent on the 5th dimension. For$$\gamma $$γnegative and$$\lambda >1$$λ>1, the null energy condition is satisfied and the geometry is free of singularities within finite distance from the brane, while the induced four-dimensional Planck mass is finite.
Limiting fluctuations in quantum gravity to diffeomorphisms
Authors: Slovick Brian
Published: August 2021

Within the background field formalism of quantum gravity, I show that if the quantum fluctuations are limited to diffeomorphic gauge transformations rather than the physical degrees of freedom, as in conventional quantum field theory, all the quantum corrections vanish on shell and the effective action is equivalent to the classical action. In principle, the resulting theory is finite and unitary, and requires no renormalization. I also show that this is the unique parameterization that renders the path integral independent of the on-shell condition for the background field, a form of background independence. Thus, a connection is established between background independence and renormalizability and unitarity.
Arrow diagrams on spherical curves and computations
Authors: Ito Noboru , Takamura Masashi
Published: August 2021

We give a definition of an integer-valued function [Formula: see text] derived from arrow diagrams for the ambient isotopy classes of oriented spherical curves. Then, we introduce certain elements of the free [Formula: see text]-module generated by the arrow diagrams with at most [Formula: see text] arrows, called relators of Type ([Formula: see text]) (([Formula: see text]), ([Formula: see text]), ([Formula: see text]) or ([Formula: see text]), respectively), and introduce another function [Formula: see text] to obtain [Formula: see text]. One of the main results shows that if [Formula: see text] vanishes on finitely many relators of Type ([Formula: see text]) (([Formula: see text]), ([Formula: see text]), ([Formula: see text]) or ([Formula: see text]), respectively), then [Formula: see text] is invariant under the deformation of type RI (strong RI[Formula: see text]I, weak RI[Formula: see text]I, strong RI[Formula: see text]I[Formula: see text]I or weak RI[Formula: see text]I[Formula: see text]I, respectively). The other main result is that we obtain new functions of arrow diagrams with up to six arrows explicitly. This computation is done with the aid of computers.
The Evolution of Human Infancy: Why It Helps to Be Helpless
Authors: Rosenberg Karen R.
Published: August 2021

Humans have a prolonged childhood, which begins with an immature developmental state at birth. We take care of these helpless infants through a variety of cultural adaptations, including material culture, provisioning of food, and shared child care. Our species has long been characterized as having secondary altriciality, but an examination of human life history shows that we are fundamentally precocial, despite seeming helpless at birth. Human babies are also relatively large and overall require substantial attention and energy from caregivers. Previous work has focused on how culture permits us to give birth to helpless young and how our cultural adaptation solves problems stemming from encephalization. The birth of these dependent, costly creatures poses challenges but also creates opportunities by enhancing the development of social and emotional relationships with caregivers as well as language acquisition and enculturation.
Evaluation of the Efficiency of an Elevated Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis System
Authors: Bonanno Marco , Müller Karsten , Bensmann Boris , Hanke-Rauschenbach Richard , Peach Retha , Thiele Simon
Published: August 2021

In recent years, a significant interest has been growing in elevated temperature (ET) electrolytes for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). In this study, the energy and exergy analysis developed for PEMWE has been extended to evaluate the performance of ET-PEMWE, with the model aiming to utilise the energy in the most efficient manner and also take into account potential heat losses. The latter is particularly important considering that heat losses become more pronounced with higher temperature differences. The model shows that the stack operates in autothermic mode over a considerable range of current density. Thus heating inputs to the stack and feed water become progressively unnecessary as polarization losses make up for these heating requirements. This also allows surplus heat to be utilised for secondary applications. The exergy efficiency for ET has been calculated to surpass that for low temperature (LT), with the maximum improvement reaching 3.8% points. Taking into account exergy favours higher temperature differences—a benefit which outweighs the fact that a greater quantity of thermal power is recovered in the LT system (due to higher polarization losses). This finding also shows the suitability of adopting exergy efficiency as the performance indicator for PEMWE systems.
Sports and Health Management Using Big Data Based on Voice Feature Processing and Internet of Things
Authors: Sun Lina , Li Mingzhi
Published: August 2021

With the support of big data and information technology, various sectors such as sports, health, and medical industry can realize the integration and readjustment of the existing resources, which improve the operation efficiency of the industry and tap its huge potential. With the advancement in big data analysis, voice features, and Internet of Things (IoT), personalized health management is becoming the development trend and breakthrough of sports and health industry. The application of big data will tap out the huge potential of the sports and health industry. In this paper, we have used the Mel-requency cepstrum coefficient as the speech feature processing method. When the linear frequency is transformed to the Mel frequency by Fourier transform, the calculation accuracy will decrease with the increase in the frequency, and the low-frequency signal will be retained to improve the anti-noise ability. With further study of the voice feature processing and IoT model of big data’s sports and health management, a vector addition regression was developed to compare the two real scoring features of the processing results that pave the way for further analysis and result evaluation. Through experimental verification, it is proved that the method in this paper can better learn the speech features. At the same time, with the introduction of noise reduction, the big data of speech recognition in sports health management has a stronger robustness and improves the overall system performance.
Green Synthesis, Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, and Examination of Properties for Dye-Sensitive Solar Cells Using Various Vegetable Extracts
Authors: Degefa Anatol , Bekele Bulcha , Jule Leta Tesfaye , Fikadu Boka , Ramaswamy Shanmugam , Dwarampudi Lalitha Priyanka , Nagaprasad N. , Ramaswamy Krishnaraj
Published: August 2021

The production of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) utilizing different vegetable extracts (onion, cabbage, carrot, and tomato) was performed in this research owing to its excellency over other methods of synthesis, namely, simplicity, environmental friendliness, and the elimination of harmful compounds. Fresh extracted onion, cabbage, carrot, and tomato of ZnO NPs are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-visible spectroscopy. FTIR findings demonstrate that the prepared nanoparticles were observed in the spectrum of 626 cm-1–1219 cm-1 with some other functional groups. Wurtzite hexagonal structure of the prepared ZnO NPs was observed from XRD results. In addition, the prepared nanoparticles were failed into nanoscales (17 nm, 18 nm, 24 nm, and 15 nm) calculated from Scherrer’s equation. Nearly spherical shapes were seen from SEM image for onion and tomato extraction while rod and tube for carrot and cabbage, respectively. Two broad peaks were observed from UV-vis spectroscopy results for each extract. The presence of a wide range of energy bandgaps in the region of 3-4 eV was detected, indicating that ZnO NP material can be employed in metal oxide semiconductor-based systems. The dye-sensitive solar cell based on ZnO NPs has been successfully synthesized, and the efficiency of the device has been evaluated by measuring the current density-voltage behaviour under the presence of artificial sunshine. The increased effectiveness of the manufactured dye-sensitive solar cell is attributable to a large improvement in dye molecular adsorption onto the surface of ZnO NPs. Thus, the usage of the green produced ZnO NPs with creating dye sensitivity solar cell is a simple and viable way for the well-being of our future.
The Device of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Sheet for Trismus Caused by Bilateral Mandible Fractures
Authors: Ihara Yoshiaki , Nakamichi Yuka , Tashimo Yuichi , Nozue Shinji , Hayashi Kota , Ishiguro Mitsunori , Takahashi Koji
Published: August 2021

Trismus is commonly caused by temporomandibular joint disorders and maxillofacial fractures. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman with trismus and difficulty in mastication caused by bilateral mandibular fractures. She had a maximal interincisal opening distance (MID) of 22 mm. Mouth-opening training was administered using a novel dental mouth-training device custom-made using ethylene vinyl acetate sheets and according to the dentition and extent of mouth-opening of the patient. After 2 months of training, the MID increased to 42 mm. With adequate training, this device is effective in treating trismus due to scarring.
Serum Inflammatory Factor Profiles in the Pathogenesis of High-Altitude Polycythemia and Mechanisms of Acclimation to High Altitudes
Authors: Yi Hai , Yu Qianjin , Zeng Dongfeng , Shen Zhaohua , Li Jiali , Zhu Lidan , Zhang Xi , Xu Quanhong , Song Hu , Kong Peiyan
Published: August 2021

High-altitude polycythemia (HAPC) is a common aspect of chronic mountain sickness (CMS) caused by hypoxia and is the main cause of other symptoms associated with CMS. However, its pathogenesis and the mechanisms of high-altitude acclimation have not been fully elucidated. Exposure to high altitude is associated with elevated inflammatory mediators. In this study, the subjects were recruited and placed into a plain control (PC) group, plateau control (PUC) group, early HAPC (eHAPC) group, or a confirmed HAPC (cHAPC) group. Serum samples were collected, and inflammatory factors were measured by a novel antibody array methodology. The serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-3 (IL-3), and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the eHAPC group and the levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-2, IL-3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), MCP-1, and interleukin-16 (IL-16) in the cHAPC group were higher than those in the PUC group. More interestingly, the expression of IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-3, TNF-alpha, MCP-1, and IL-16 in the PUC group showed a remarkable lower value than that in the PC group. These results suggest that these six factors might be involved in the pathogenesis of HAPC as well as acclimation to high altitudes. Altered inflammatory factors might be new biomarkers for HAPC and for high-altitude acclimation.
Circ_RASGEF1B Promotes LPS-Induced Apoptosis and Inflammatory Response by Targeting MicroRNA-146a-5p/Pdk1 Axis in Septic Acute Kidney Injury Cell Model
Authors: Cao Jianghong , Shi Dongwu , Zhu Lili , Song Lu
Published: August 2021

Background: We intended to investigate the function of circular RNA RasGEF domain family member 1B (circ_RASGEF1B) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic acute kidney injury (AKI) cell model and its associated mechanism. Methods: TCMK-1 cells were exposed to 10 μg/mL LPS for 24 h to establish a septic AKI cell model. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg LPS to establish a septic AKI mice model. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot assay were used to measure RNA and protein expression, respectively. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry. Cell inflammatory response was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the predicted target relationship between microRNA-146a-5p (miR-146a-5p) and circ_RASGEF1B or pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (Pdk1). Results: The circ_RASGEF1B level was upregulated in LPS-induced TCMK-1 cells and septic AKI mice models. LPS exposure reduced cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis and inflammatory response partly by upregulating circ_RASGEF1B. Circ_RASGEF1B bound to miR-146a-5p and miR-146a-5p interference partly overturned circ_RASGEF1B silencing-mediated effects in LPS-induced TCMK-1 cells. Pdk1 was a target of miR-146a-5p, and Pdk1 accumulation partly counteracted miR-146a-5p-induced influences in TCMK-1 cells upon LPS stimulation. Conclusion: Circ_RASGEF1B promoted LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammatory response in renal tubular epithelial cells partly by upregulating Pdk1 via acting as miR-146a-5p sponge.
Inherited Selenocysteine Transfer RNA Mutation: Clinical and Hormonal Evaluation of 2 Patients
Authors: Geslot Aurore , Savagner Frédérique , Caron Philippe
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Iodothyronine deiodinases are selenoproteins with the amino acid selenocysteine (Sec) introduced into the position of a TGA stop codon by a complex machinery involving tRNA[Ser]Sec when a cis-acting Sec-insertion sequence element is present in the 3′ end of the mRNA. Recently, a variant in the TRU-TCA1-1 gene encoding for tRNA[Ser]Sec was reported, which resulted in reduced expression of stress-related selenoproteins. The proband presented with multisystem symptoms, euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia, and selenium deficiency. Here, we describe 2 new members of a family harboring the same tRNA[Ser]Sec variant. Case Presentation: A 13-year-old patient was seen for Hashimoto’s disease with high FT3 (4.6 pg/mL, normal range 2–4.2 pg/mL) and normal FT4 and TSH concentrations. He had no clinical complaints. During a 6-year clinical and hormonal follow-up, the index patient was not treated, FT3 decreased, FT4 increased, and serum TSH stayed in the normal range resulting in a euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia. Reverse T3 concentration was significantly increased at the last visit (19 years and 4 months). At the last evaluation, the total selenium level was low (91 μg/L, normal range 95–125). DNA sequencing identified a germinal homozygous variant (C65G) in the TRU-TCA1-1 gene. During follow-up, no additional clinical symptom was observed in the absence of any treatment. The same germinal tRNA[Ser]Sec variant was identified at heterozygous state in his father, who had normal thyroid function tests except a moderately increased reverse T3 concentration, with increased total selenium (143 μg/L) level. In both patients, the expression of stress-related selenoprotein GPX3 was in the low-normal range (168 and 180 IU/L, respectively, normal range: 150–558 IU/L). We did not find any significant biological abnormalities evocative of other selenoprotein deficiencies. Discussion/Conclusion: We report on 2 members of a family with a variant in the TRU-TCA1-1 gene encoding for tRNA[Ser]Sec. Our study suggests that this tRNA[Ser]Sec variant is not exclusively causative of disruption in selenoprotein synthesis.
Disfiguring Hidradenitis Suppurativa of the Face
Authors: Capasso Gianmarco , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Marasca Claudio
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, disfiguring, and debilitating inflammatory skin condition accompanied by pain, malodorous discharge, scarring, and a scarce quality of life. Skin folds are the most frequently affected areas, while the face is rarely involved. Case Presentation: We herein report a case of a man in his 40s affected by a severe form of HS for 15 years. Physical examination showed massive, bridged scarring located on the cheeks, temporal area, chin, nuchae, and scalp. Discussion: Massive face scarring due to HS is an infrequent event and represents a further burden for patients affected by HS and a therapeutic challenge for clinicians due to the lack of codified guidelines. Novel therapies with lasers and combination therapies are emerging and may be beneficial for hypertrophic scarring in HS.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Human Laryngeal and Tracheobronchial Cartilages during the Late Embryonic and Early Fetal Period
Authors: Yamazaki Yu , Kanahashi Toru , Yamada Shigehito , Männer Jörg , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: August 2021

Laryngeal and tracheobronchial cartilages are present as unique U-shaped forms around the respiratory tract and contribute to the formation of rigid structures required for the airway. Certain discrepancies still exist concerning cartilage formation in humans. To visualize the accurate timeline of cartilage formation, tracheobronchial and laryngeal cartilages were 3D reconstructed based on serial tissue sections during the embryonic period (Carnegie stage [CS] 18–23) and early fetal period (crown rump length [CRL] = 35–45 mm). The developmental phases of the cartilage were estimated by histological studies, which were performed on the reconstructed tissue sections. The hyoid greater horns were recognizable at CS18 (phase 2). Fusion of 2 chondrification centers in the mid-sagittal region was observed at CS19 in the hyoid bone, at CS20 in the cricoid cartilage, and in the specimen with CRL 39 mm in the thyroid cartilage. Phase 3 differentiation was observed at the median part of the hyoid body at CS19, which was the earliest among all other laryngeal and tracheobronchial cartilages. Most of the laryngeal cartilages were in phase 3 differentiation at CS22 and in phase 4 differentiation at CS23. The U-shaped tracheobronchial cartilages with phase 2 differentiation covered the entire extrapulmonary region at CS20. Phase 3 differentiation started on the median section and propagates laterally at CS21. The tracheobronchial cartilages may form simultaneously during the embryonic period at CS22-23 and early fetal periods, similar to adults in number and distribution. The spatial propagation of the tracheal cartilage differentiation provided in the present study indicates that cartilage differentiation may have propagated differently on phase 2 and phase 3. This study demonstrates a comprehensible timeline of cartilage formation. Such detailed information of the timeline of cartilage formation would be useful to improve our understanding of the development and pathophysiology of congenital airway anomalies.
Infancia en Chile 1973-2013: 40 años de tensiones e inflexiones neoliberales
Authors: Cubillos Celis Paula
Published: August 2021

(analítico)El objetivo del artículo es analizar las formas que adopta el Estado social en Chile entre 1973-2013, mediante una lectura de las políticas de derechos de la infancia y las tensiones que se desprenden de dicho proceso. El principal resultado del trabajo es que las transformaciones observadas introducirán tres inflexiones a la estructura de distribución de derechos: liberalización, tecnocratización y focalización. Las políticas de salud, educación y protección especializada reflejarán tanto el modelo de continuidad como las inflexiones neoliberales, y representarán un terreno privilegiado de inteligibilidad del proceso sociopolítico y económico. A través de una metodología cualitativa de análisis de entrevistas, del marco legal y de la documentación sectorial, esta investigación propone retrasar la reconfiguración de lo social en Chile desde el rostro de la infancia durante el proceso de neoliberalización.
Palabras clave: Estado social, políticas sociales, infancia, neoliberalismo, Chile. Tesauro de Ciencias Sociales de la Unesco.
First report of Golovinomyces sp. causing powdery mildew infection on Dyschoriste nagchana in Western Ghats of India
Authors: Thite Sachin Vasantrao
Published: August 2021

Dyschoriste nagchana Nees (Acanthaceae) is a perennial plant grows naturally in wet grassland, but is now often also found in secondary bushland and grassland, including lawns. In January2019, severe powdery mildew symptoms were observed on the leaves and stem of D. nagchana (Fig.1, a). The infection was found to be very severe at that time on plant and because of severe infestation premature leaf fall was also observed. The occurrence of powdery mildew in its anamorphic form on   D. nagchana. was first observed in the ranges of hills in Western Ghats pertaining to district Satara viz Yavateshwar (17°41’02.91”N 73°56’58.15”E and Elevation 3419ft) and Varoshi (17°52’04.42” N 73°45’03.12” E and Elevation 2834ft). later on, disease incidence was noticed from different areas of said district.
Chemical immobilisation of a Eurasian Lynx Lynx lynx (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) with ketamine-dexmedetomidine mixture in Ladakh, India
Authors: Talukdar Animesh , Raina Pankaj
Published: August 2021

Limited information is available regarding the ecology and conservation of the Eurasian Lynx Lynx lynx in the Himalaya. We report the first rescue and chemical immobilisation of a Eurasian Lynx in Ladakh, India. A female individual was successfully immobilized intramuscularly with a mixture of ketamine Hcl and dexmedetomidine using a dose rate of 5 mg/kg body weight and 0.03 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Dexmedomidine was antagonised with atepamezole through intramuscular route. The current information on the drug mixture does not account for variations within sub-populations for intrinsic or external factors and needs dedicated studies with large sample sizes and different drug mixtures.
Patients Receiving Extracranial to Intracranial Bypass for Atherosclerotic Vessel Occlusion Today Differ Significantly From the COSS Population
Authors: Wessels Lars , Hecht Nils , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose:

Despite the findings reported in the COSS (Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study), patients with atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease continue to be referred for superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass surgery. Here, we determined how today’s patients differ from the population reported in COSS.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed all patients that were referred to our Department for superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass surgery of atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease following the publication of COSS.

Results:

Between 2012 and 2019, 179 patients were referred for 186 bypass surgeries. Ninety-one (51%) patients suffered atherosclerotic, unilateral internal carotid occlusion and 88 (49%) atherosclerotic multivessel disease. All patients had received intensive medical management. A single transitory ischemic attack or ischemic stroke within the last 120 days according to the inclusion criteria of COSS occurred in only 36 out of 179 (20%) patients, whereas 27 out of 179 (15%) suffered >1 transitory ischemic attack within 120 days, 109 out of 179 (61%) had recurrent minor ischemic stroke, and 7 out of 179 (4%) were hemodynamically unstable and required blood pressure maintenance. The distribution of symptoms did not differ between atherosclerotic unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion and atherosclerotic multivessel disease (
P
=0.376) but hemodynamic impairment was significantly greater in atherosclerotic multivessel disease (
P
<0.001 for atherosclerotic multivessel disease versus atherosclerotic unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion). The overall perioperative stroke rate was 4.3%.

Conclusions:

Patients referred for flow augmentation surgery today appear to suffer more severe symptoms and vessel occlusion patterns than patients reported in COSS. A new, carefully designed randomized controlled trial appears warranted, considering the still poor prognosis of severe atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease.
Outcome Following Hemorrhage From Cranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae
Authors: Koch Matthew J. , Stapleton Christopher J. , Guniganti Ridhima , Lanzino Giuseppe , Sheehan Jason , Alaraj Ali , Bulters Diederik , Kim Louis , Fox W. Christopher , Gross Bradley A. , Hayakawa Minako , van DijK J. Marc C. , Starke Robert M. , Satomi Junichiro , Polifka Adam J. , Zipfel Gregory J. , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh ,   for the CONDOR Consortium*
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose:

Dural arteriovenous fistulae can present with hemorrhage, but there remains a paucity of data regarding subsequent outcomes. We sought to use the CONDOR (Consortium for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Outcomes Research), a multi-institutional registry, to characterize the morbidity and mortality of dural arteriovenous fistula–related hemorrhage.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients in CONDOR who presented with dural arteriovenous fistula–related hemorrhage was performed. Patient characteristics, clinical follow-up, and radiographic details were analyzed for associations with poor outcome (defined as modified Rankin Scale score ≥3).

Results:

The CONDOR dataset yielded 262 patients with incident hemorrhage, with median follow-up of 1.4 years. Poor outcome was observed in 17.0% (95% CI, 12.3%–21.7%) at follow-up, including a 3.6% (95% CI, 1.3%–6.0%) mortality. Age and anticoagulant use were associated with poor outcome on multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 1.04, odds ratio, 5.1 respectively). Subtype of hemorrhage and venous shunting pattern of the lesion did not affect outcome significantly.

Conclusions:

Within the CONDOR registry, dural arteriovenous fistula–related hemorrhage was associated with a relatively lower morbidity and mortality than published outcomes from other arterialized cerebrovascular lesions but still at clinically consequential rates.
Taxonomic studies in the genus Haplanthodes (Acanthaceae)
Authors: DESHMUKH PRADIP VIKRAM , SURVESWARAN SIDDHARTHAN , GORE RAMCHANDRA DNYANOBA , LEKHAK MANOJ MADHWANAND
Published: August 2021

The endemic Indian genus Haplanthodes (Acanthaceae) is revised. Four species, viz. H. neilgherryensis, H. plumosa, H. tentaculata and H. verticillata and a new variety, H. neilgherryensis var. toranganensis are recognized. Lectotype is designated for Haplanthodes, Haplanthus plumosus and H. verticillaris. The nomenclature of the Linnaean name Ruellia tentaculata is also discussed. Micromorphology of seed using light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) is observed for the first time, and two types, reticulate and micro papillate, have been recognized based on surface sculpturing pattern. The genus differs from the related genera Andrographis and Haplanthus by distinctly two grooved seeds with hygroscopic hairs. Pollen grains of the genus are oblate or prolate spheroidal, distinctly triangular, trizonocolporate with reticulate exine ornamentation.
Three new species of Begonia (section Baryandra, Begoniaceae) from Samar Island, the Philippines
Authors: RUBITE ROSARIO RIVERA , JUSTO CELEENA AIMEREE DE GUZMAN , VILLASEÑOR PATRICKA COLIFLORES , ANGELES MARJORIE D. DELOS , TANDANG DANILO N. , LIN CHE-WEI
Published: August 2021

The geographic location, climatic, and soil conditions of Samar Island render a mosaic of varied habitats which harbor numerous endemic, rare, and endangered species of plants. The island province is one of the centers of plant endemism in the Philippines. Included in this rich biodiversity of flora are members of genus Begonia of the family Begoniaceae. In 2018, researchers of the University of the Philippines found in the island three unknown Begonia species. With rhizomatous habits, persistent stipules, protandrous inflorescences, four-tepaled flowers, three winged capsules and bifid placenta, the three species are clearly members of Begonia section Baryandra. Studies of literature, herbarium specimens, and living plants support the recognition of the three new species: Begonia sohoton, Begonia tarangban and Begonia burabod.
Revision of Ceratonereis Kinberg, 1865 recorded from the Caribbean Sea, with description of two new Ceratonereis species and a new combination of Platynereis Kinberg, 1865
Authors: CONDE-VELA VÍCTOR MANUEL
Published: August 2021

Currently, there are four recorded species of Ceratonereis Kinberg, 1865 in the Caribbean Sea; three of them are regarded as amphiamerican or widespread. This review intends to improve the current knowledge of these Ceratonereis species; descriptions and illustrations are presented based on type and additional material, including new records. After the examination of type material, the synonymy of Ceratonereis gracilis (Webster, 1884) with C. mirabilis Kinberg, 1865 is rejected, and C. gracilis is reinstated. Ceratonereis maya n. sp. is described based on records of C. excisa Grube & Müller in Grube, 1873 and C. singularis Treadwell, 1929, and C. nancyae n. sp. is described based on records of C. mirabilis, from the Caribbean Sea. The examination of the type material of Nereis singularis Treadwell, 1943 showed it is not a species of Ceratonereis but belongs in Platynereis Kinberg, 1865, and the new combination Platynereis singularis is proposed. The epitokal morphology of the available specimens is described and discussed. Epitokes of Ceratonereis show more than one epitokal pattern, raising questions about the use of epitokal morphology to define genera or species. An annotated key for American Ceratonereis species is also included.
A new species of nurse-frog (Aromobatidae, Allobates) from the Amazonian forest of Loreto, Peru
Authors: GAGLIARDI-URRUTIA GIUSSEPE , CASTROVIEJO-FISHER SANTIAGO , ROJAS-RUNJAIC FERNANDO J. M. , JARAMILLO ANDRÉS F. , SOLÍS SAMANTHA , SIMÕES PEDRO IVO
Published: August 2021

We describe a new species of nurse-frog (Aromobatidae, Allobates) from the Amazonian forest of Loreto, Peru using morphological, acoustic and genetic data. Our phylogenetic analysis placed Allobates sieggreenae sp. nov. as the sister species of A. trilineatus, the most similar-looking species and with which it was previously confused. However, the new species has a brown dorsum, solid dark brown lateral dark stripe not fading towards groin, adult males with few and sparse melanophores over a cream background on chin, chest, and belly, dark transverse bars absent on thighs, and an advertisement call formed by a trill of single notes (in A. trilineatus dorsum dark brown, blackish brown lateral dark stripe, paler from mid-body to groin, adult males with a dark background color on chin, chest, and belly due to a dense layer of melanophores, dark transverse bar present on dorsal surface of thighs, and trills of paired notes). Allobates sieggreenae is known from two localities of Amazonian white-sand forest ecosystems east of the Ucayali River.
A review of the hyperiidean amphipod family Brachyscelidae Stephensen, 1923 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Hyperiidea)
Authors: ZEIDLER WOLFGANG
Published: August 2021

This is the first comprehensive taxonomic review of the family Brachyscelidae.  The family is currently mono-generic following the review of Zeidler (2016).  There are 17 nominal species referable to the genus Brachyscelus in the literature including two old references to species that most likely represent species of Brachyscelus.  However, most are regarded junior synonyms of the two better known species B. crusculum Spence Bate, 1861 and B. globiceps (Claus, 1879).  The taxonomic status of all nominal species was re-determined by the examination of extant type material or from the original literature reference if type material could not be found.  In conclusion, five species of Brachyscelus are recognized as valid.  Brachyscelus crusculum is the most common and widespread species and is most often recorded in the literature, but it is likely that some of these literature records are erroneous because other species have been confused with it in the past.  The other species recognized are B. globiceps, B. macrocephalus Stephensen, 1925, B. rapacoides Stephensen, 1925 and B. rapax (Claus, 1871).  Brachyscelus globiceps and B. macrocephalus are well established species and the validity of B. rapacoides was recently confirmed by Zeidler et al. (2018) but the validity of B. rapax is difficult to determine because type material could not be found and the original description by Claus (1871) and later figure (Claus 1887) are very inadequate.  However, the species is tentatively recognized here based on several specimens which are most likely this species as according to Claus (1871, 1887).  Brachyscelus is widely distributed in tropical and warm-temperate regions of the world’s oceans including the Mediterranean Sea.  Species are preferentially associated with medusae and to a lesser extent with salps.
High-Performance Current-Mode Logic Ternary D Flip-Flop Based on Bipolar Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
Authors: Zhao Xianghong , Ma Longhua , Su Hongye , Zhao Jieyu , Cai Weiming
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a simple-structured and high-performance current-mode logic (CML) ternary D flip-flop based on BiCMOS is proposed. It combines both advantages of BiCMOS and CML circuits, which is with much more high-speed, strong-drive and anti-interference abilities. Utilizing TSMC
180 nm process, results of simulations carried out by HSPICE illustrate the proposed circuit not only has correct logic function, but also gains improvements of 95.6~98.4% in average D-Q delay and 16.2%~70.4 in PDP compared with advanced ternary D flip-flop. When compared at the same information
transmission speed, proposed circuit is more competitive. Furthermore, it can perform up to high frequency of 15 GHz and drive heavier load. All the results prove that proposed circuit is high-performance and very suitable for high-speed and high-frequency applications.
Photonic Generation and Transmission of 20-Tupling Millimeter-Wave Without Optical Filter
Authors: Chen Xiaogang
Published: August 2021

Without the optical filter, a novel approach is designed for frequency 20-tupling photonic millimeter-wave generation based on four nested Mach-zehnder modulators (MZMs). Theoretical derivations and simulation verifications are demonstrated for the millimeter-wave frequency multiplication
scheme. Optical sideband suppression ratio (OSSR) of 33 dB and radio frequency sideband suppression ratio (RFSSR) of 28 dB is achieved, respectively. Further, a 1.25 Gb/s data transmission performances are evaluated, the data signal could be transmitted 40 Km with the proposed scheme at BER
= 10−9. The obtained results can assist with the design of high frequency radio over fiber (RoF) system.
A Sensitive and Response-Stable Strain Sensor with 30% Sensing Regions
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Dong , Wang Er-Lei , Yuan Hong-Lei , Wang Yong-Mei
Published: August 2021

Wearable strain sensor can be mounted on textiles and attached onto human skins to detect various mechanical motions and health conditions. Here, we report a sensitive and response-stable strain sensor based on the polymers consisting of the super acid-treated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)
(PEDOT:PSS) and polydimethylsiloxane. The polymer-based strain sensor exhibits a high sensitivity of 26.6–30.6 and a stable response with a large sensing strain of up to 30% for a potential application.
Long non-coding RNAs HERH-1 and HERH-4 facilitate cyclin A2 expression and accelerate cell cycle progression in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Tao , Shi Qiao , Yang Lei , Wang Shusen , Song Hongli , Wang Zhenglu , Xu Xinnv , Liu Hongsheng , Zheng Hong , Shen Zhongyang
Published: August 2021

Background

The advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), such as the recurrent tumor after liver transplantation (LT), is an obstacle of HCC treatment. The aim of this study was to discover the underlying mechanism of HCC progression caused by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs).

Methods

To this end, we investigated the selected patient cohort of matching primary and recurrent HCC after receiving LT. The recurrent tumors after LT were regarded as clinical models of the advanced HCC. Microarrays were used to profile lncRNA and mRNA expression in HCC recurrent and primary tissue samples. The mRNA profile characteristics were analyzed by bioinformatics. Two cell lines, HepG2 and QGY-7703, were used as HCC cell models. The protein-coding potential, length, and subcellular location of the interested lncRNAs were examined by bioinformatics, Northern blot, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assays. HCC cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8, doubling time and proliferation marker gene quantitation assays. DNA replication during the cell cycle was measured by EdU/PI staining and flow cytometry analyses. Promoter activity was measured using a luciferase reporter assay. Interactions between DNA, RNA, and protein were examined by immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays. The miRNA-target regulation was validated by a fluorescent reporter assay.

Results

Both lncRNA and mRNA profiles exhibited characteristic alterations in the recurrent tumor cells compared with the primary HCC. The mRNA profile in the HCC recurrent tissues, which served as model of advanced HCC, showed an aberrant cell cycle regulation. Two lncRNAs, the highly expressed lncRNA in recurrent HCC (HERH)-1 and HERH-4, were upregulated in the advanced HCC cells. HERH-1/4 enhanced proliferation and promoted DNA replication and G1-S transition during the cell cycle in HCC cells. HERH-1 interacted with the transcription factor CREB1. CREB1 enhanced cyclin A2 (CCNA2) transcription, depending on HERH-1-CREB1 interaction. HERH-4 acted as an miR-29b/c sponge to facilitate CCNA2 protein translation through a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) pathway.

Conclusions

The oncogenic lncRNA HERH-1/4 promoted CCNA2 expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and accelerated cell cycle progression in HCC cells. The HERH-1-CREB1-CCNA2 and HERH-4-miR-29b/c-CCNA2 axes served as molecular stimuli for HCC advance.
Transcriptomic analysis of tumor tissues and organoids reveals the crucial genes regulating the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ma Xiao , Yang Su , Jiang Hesheng , Wang Yujie , Xiang Zhen
Published: August 2021

Background

Accumulative evidence shows that an organoid is a more practical and reliable tool in cancer biology research. This study aimed to identify and validate crucial genes involved in non-small cell lung cancer carcinogenesis and development using the transcriptomic analysis of tumor tissues and organoids.

Methods

Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of tumor tissues, tumor organoids, and normal tissues was performed to reveal the similar and different mechanisms involved in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) carcinogenesis and progression. Differentially expressed gene analysis, prognostic analysis, and gene co-expression network analysis were further used to identify hub genes involved in LUAD and LUSC carcinogenesis and development. Finally, LUAD cell lines and organoids were used to validate these findings.

Results

GSEA analysis was performed to reveal the similar mechanisms involved in LUAD and LUSC carcinogenesis and development, such as P53 signaling pathway, base mismatch repair, DNA replication, cAMP signaling pathway and PPAR pathway. However, comparing with LUSC organoids, LUAD organoids showed downregulation of immune-related pathways, inflammation-related pathways, MAPK signaling pathways, and Rap1 signaling pathways, although these pathways were downregulated in LUAD and LUSC tissues by comparing with normal lung tissues. Further gene co-expression network analysis and prognostic analysis indicated CDK1, CCNB2, and CDC25A as the hub tumor-promoting genes in LUAD but not in LUSC, which were further validated in other datasets. Using LUAD cell lines and organoid models, CDK1 and CCNB2 knockdown were found to suppress LUAD proliferation. However, CDC25A knockdown did not inhibit LUAD cell line proliferation but could effectively suppress LUAD organoid growth, indicating that an organoid could be used as an effective tool to study cancer biology in LUAD.

Conclusions

The results revealed CDK1, CCNB2, and CDC25A as the hub genes involved in LUAD carcinogenesis and development, which could be used as the potential biomarkers and targets for LUAD.